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1908  SUPPE 


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BOCCACCIO 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


BOCCACCIO; 

Fhe  Prince  of  Palermo 

Pontic  d^ptta  in  Wixtt  %,i^%. 


FRANZ    VON    SUPPfi. 

With    English  Translation  and   Adaptation   bf 

DEXTER    SMITH. 


I 

/  BOSTON: 

/  OLIVER    DITSON    COMPANY. 

NEW  YORK:  CHICAGO:  PHILA:  BOSTON: 

C.  H.  litson  k  Co.  Lyon  &  Healy.  I.  E.  Ditson  &  Co.  Join  C.  Hayness  Co. 

Copyright,  MDCccLxxx,  by  Oliver  Ditson  &  Co. 
Copyright,  iviCMViii,  by  Oliver  Ditson  Company. 


Digitized  by  tine  Internet  Arciiive 

in  2007  witii  funding  from 

IVIicrosoft  Corporation 


i 


littp://www.archive.org/details/boccaccioorprincOOsupp   M 

ih, 


BOCCACCIO; 


•■. 


The  Prince  of  Palermo 


<S!0mtJC  ^p^ta  iu  ^httt  ^tH. 


BT 


FRANZ   VON    SUPPfi. 

Wltl)    English   Translation   and    Adaptation    to| 

DEXTER    SMITH. 


BOSTON: 

OLIVER     DITSON     COMPANY. 

NEWVORK:  CHICAGO:  J'HILA:  I'.OSTON: 

C.  H.  Mtson  &  Co.  Lyon  &  Healy.  ],  E.  Ditsoii  &  Co.  Jolm  C.  Hayiies&  Co. 

Copyright,  MDCCCLXxx,  by  Oliver  Ditson  &  Co. 
Copyright,  MCMViii,  by  Oliver  Ditson  Company. 


A 


ARGUMENT. 


PiETRO,  the  Prince  of  Palermo,  goes  to  Florence,  in 
urcordance  with  the  wishes  of  his  fother,  to  marry  Fia- 
METTA,  the  daughter  of  the  Duke  of  Tuscany.  Fiamet- 
TA,  when  a  child,  had  been  adopted  by  Lambertuccio,  a 
Grocer,  who  was  not  aware  of  her  noble  birth.  The  Duke 
had  caused  her  to  be  reared  in  this  humble  manner,  for  rea- 
sons of  his  own,  intending  to  wed  her  to  Pietro,  to  whom 
she  had  been  in  infancy  betrothed.  Upon  Pietro's  arrival 
in  Florence,  before  presenting  himself  to  the  Duke  and 
Fiametta,  he  joins  in  several  adventures  with  the  Stu- 
dents. Boccaccio,  the  novelist  and  poet,  who  is  hated 
by  the  men  of  Florence  for  haying  ridiculed  them  in  his 
novels,  is  deeply  in  love  with  Fiajmetta.  Pietro  is  mis- 
taken for  Boccaccio,  and  is  severely  beaten  by  the  indig- 
nant Florentines.  As  Pietro  is  about  to  be  solemn!}- 
betrothed  to  Fiametta,  for  considerations  of  state  (al- 
though he  does  not  love  her,  and  she  dislikes  him),  Boc- 
caccio, knowing  that  his  affection  for  her  is  reciprocated, 
arranges  a  play  which  illustrates  the  follies  of  Pietro  so 
strongly,  that  the  latter  surrenders  the  hand  of  Fiametta 
to  Boccaccio. 


J.  Frajjk  Gir.KR.  Music  Printer.  BoHton. 


Music  liWaiy 

DRAMATIS    PERSONS 


^A< 


;>i5<iBfcc 


Boccaccio,  a  Novelist  and  Poet 1    tO  U 

Leonetto,  his  friend,  a  Student 

Pietro,  Prince  of  Palermo 

Lotteringhi,  aCooper 

Lambertuccio,  a  Grocer 

Scalza,  a  Barber 

Fiametta,  Lambertuccio's  adopted  daughter. 

Beatrice,  Scalza's  daughter 

Isabella,  Lotteringhi's  wife 

Peronella,  Lambert-uccio's  sister 

Checco,  a  Beggar •• 

Fratelli,  a  Bookseller • 

Fresco,  the  Cooper's  apprentice ..••••• 

The  Unknown •■•••• 

Lo  Cascio,  Major  Domo  of  the  Daks. ••••••• 

Tofawo, 

Chichib%o, 

Guido, 

Gisti, 

Federico, 

Giotto, 

Rinieri, 

Lanto, 

Alberto, 

Iticciardo, 

Gerbino, 

Feodoro, 

Guidotto, 

Nostogio, 

Chiacometto,  ^ 

Anselmo,        >  Beggars. 

Tito,  J 

Filippa,    1 

Oretta,       \        Lambertuccio's  So  Tants 

Violanta,  ) 

Donna  Jancofiere 

Eliza,  Donna  Jancofiere's  daughter 

Marietta,  a  Citizen's  daughter ...« 

Donna  Pulci 


Florentine  Students. 


Lottereringhi'a  JoumeyaMB. 


Augustina, )       * 

Elena,         V      Donna  Pulci's  Daugbton. 

Angelicat    ) 

3074^60 


"BOCCACCIO." 


ACT  I. 


FcENE  I.  Public  Square  in  Florence.  On  the  right,  the  church  of  Santa 
Maria  Novella;  on  the  left,  house  and  shop  of  Scalza,  rt  barber.  At 
the  back,  in  the  centre,  a  fountain.  It  is  the  24th  of  June,  St.  ,/ohn^s 
Day;  the  houses  are  gaily  decorated  in  honor  of  the  patron  Saint  oj 
the  city.  At  the  rise  of  the  curtain,  the  scene  is  clear,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  Checco,  Anselmo,  Giacommetto,  Tito,  and  a  few  other 
beggars. 

Hear  the  Bells. — Checco. 

Hear  the  bells,  as  they  now  sweetly  ring, 

But  no  pleasure  to  our  hearts  they  bring ; 
Beggars.     Sweetly  ring,  no  joy  bring. 
Checco.     Young  and  old,  poor,  and  those  with  gold,  come  they  to-day ; 

Here,  in  honor  of  St.  John,  our  saint,  come  they. 
They  will  hear  us,  they  will  cheer  us; 

Give,  Oh,  give  us,  give,  we  pray  ! 

Have  pity,  now,  we  pray  ; 

Pity  on  Saint's  day.     Amen  ! 
All^  Have  pity  now,  we  pray,  on  Saint's  day.     Amen! 

Checco.     You,  Anselmo,  stand  there,  Giacommetto,  you  here  ; 

Tito,  you  may  come  now,  and  stand  beside  me  near. 

Quickly,  you  fe'lows  lazy  ; 

You  must  have  all  gone  crazy  ! 
In  place  !  right  face  ! 
Be  bold !  get  gold ! 

(.Enter  Leonetto,  looking  mysteriously  around.) 

Leon.  Lonely  now  is  my  Beatrice, 

Where  no  father  is  beside; 
Yet  so  carefully  he  guards  her, 
She  cannot  become  my  bride. 
She  e.x-pects  me  here  this  morning, 
While  her  father  is  away. 
Ckorus.         La,  la,  la,  la.  la,  la,  la,  ra,  la,  &c. 
Leon.  ( To  students  outside) 

While  you're  singing,  {Goes  toward  SCA    i.x's  houst.) 
Sing  for  me. 
Checco.     Quickly  now  follow,  o'er  hill  and  hollow  ! 


Jhorcs.     Hasten  !     Hasten ! 

Cmecco.     Quickly  now  follow,  follow  me  now  ! 

(Enter  General  ChorusJ 

General  Chorus. 

Hasten,  hasten,  fly  !  now  haste* ! 
Run  to  the  Festival ! 
Youth  and  age  gladly  meet, 

And  of  lirightest  joys  partake. 
With  sweet  smiles  each  other  greet; 

Out  Florence,  fair  awake,  awake! 
Hail,  hail,  hail,  hail ! 

Florence,  city  of  our  love  ! 
Hail,  hail,  hail,  hail ! 

Florence,  city  of  our  love ! 
La,  la,  la,  la,  la,  la,  &c. 

Have  no  foes  drown  your  woes, 

On  this  happy  festal  day  ; 
Drown  your  woes,  have  no  foes, 

On  this  happy  festal  day  ! 
Our  jubilee,  our  festival, 

Come,  join  our  festival ! 
Youth  and  age  gladly  meet, 

And  of  brightest  joys  partake  ; 
With  sweet  smiles  each  other  greet, 
,"  Our  Florence,  fair,  awake,  awake  I 

Hail,  hail,  hail,  hail ! 

Florence,  city  of  our  love,  &c. 

Bring  ye  buds  and  blushing  flowers, 
And  hang  upon  your  lofty  toweis; 
Maidens,  wives,  and  lads  and  men, 
To-day  we'll  children  be  again  ! 
La,  la,  la,  la,  la,  ra,  &c. 

Come,  join  us  now,  come  join  us  now, 
In  Jubilee  and  festival. 

Chorus. — Checco  and  Beggars. 

Have  pity,  have  pity  pity ! 

Hear  us  now.  Amen  ! 
Pity !    Die  we  from  hunger; 

Oh,  pity,  pity ! 

Other  Chorus. 
Dpen  hearts  and  open  hands. 

Now  knit  the  golden  bands  of  friendship 
Lo!  they  come,  the  students  come — see! 
Lo  !  they  come,  the  students  come  ! 
They  come,  they  come — welcome  to  them ! 


Chorus  speak) 
Here  come  the  students ! 

{Enter  students.) 

Song  — Students. 

Vieing  for  roses  fair, 
Students  are  here ; 
Let  each  young  heart  take  care, 

For  Cupid's  ever  near  !  , 

Oh,  what  pleasure  we  have  to-day ! 
iVe'll  sing  the  songs  of  heroic  age  departed, 

We'll  praise  the  bards,  who  so  bravely,  grandly  sung ; 
We'll  weave  a  crown  for  the  men  so  lion-hearted, 
From  such  a  race  have  all  noble  actions  sprung, 
Have  all  noble  actions  sprung. 

General  Chorus. — Students,  Beggars,  &c. 

Italia  !  'tis  our  native  land, 

We  love  it  dearly,  we  love  it; 
We  love  its  sunny  skies  so  grand, 
We  love  our  dear  native,  native  land ! 

Checco  and  Beggars. 
Give  us  alms,  give,  we  pray  ! 

General  Chorus,  Students  and  Beg6Ars.       ♦ 

Hasten,  join  us  in  jubilee ; 
Let  us  dance  and  sing  and  play, 
On  our  Patron's  natal  day  ! 
Hasten,  hasten,  hasten,  join  us  ! 

It  is  our  jubilee  ! 
Youth  and  age  gladly  meet. 

And  of  brightest  joys  partake. 
With  sweet  smiles  each  other  greet ; 

Our  Florence,  fair,  awake,  awake ! 
Hail,  hail,  hail,  hail ! 

Florence,  city  of  love. 
Bring  buds  and  blushing  flowers, 
And  hang  upon  your  lofty  towers  : 
Maidens,  wives,  and  lads  and  men, 
To-day  we'll  children  be  again. 

La,  la,  ra,  la,  la,  ra.  &c. 
Hasten,  join  us,  come  and  join  us, 
To-day  we  hold  our  Festival  I 

Knter  Fratelli,  bookseller, pushing  a  cart  filled  loith  books.  Three  pla- 
cards, on  which  ara  respectively  inscribed  the  names,  "  Boccaccio.'' 
*'  Sachetti,"  and  "  Fiorenti,"  are  on  the  cart.) 


Fratelli  {entering. 

New  novels,  come  buy  ! 
Buy  the  latest  novels  ! 
New  novels  buy. 
Chorus.         Novels,  new  I     Quickly  come  !     Quickly  come  f 
Fratelli.     New  novels,  buy ! 

Buy  the  latest  novels  ;  new  novels  buy  ! 
Chorus.        Quickly  come  !     Come  here  and  buy  ! 
Fratelli.  Interesting  stories ; 

Will  you  buy  those  novels  thrilling  ? 
New  novels  come  buy ;  stories  of  killing  ! 

(Holds  up  book  after  hook,  as  he  sings.) 

Chorus.         Buy  his  new  novels  ;  come,  buy  new  novels! 
See  his  new  novels  ;  here  are  new  novels ! 

(As  Fratelli  reaches  the  front  centre  of  the  stage,  he  steps  upon  his  cart, 
and  the  people  crowd  around  him.) 


Fratelli. 


Chorus. 
Fratelli. 
Chorus. 
Fratelli. 


Chorus. 
Fratelli, 
Chorus. 
Fratelli. 


Chorus. 
Fratelli. 


Women. 

Men. 
Fratelli. 

Chorus. 
Fratelli. 


Read  !  be  astonished  !     Come,  and  buy  quickly  ! 

Books  by  Sachetti  ;  books  by  Manetti. 

Most  instructive ;  fine  tales  of  fiction,  come  and  buy. 

Books  new  and  witty. 

Best  in  the  city — 
New  books  for  your  library  buy. 
What  is  the  new  book's  name  ? 
'Tis  '•  The  Miller  and  the  Monk." 
"  The  Miller  and  the  Monk  !" 
By  Fiorentino,  the  famous  author. 
'Tis  a  story  sure  to  please  you,  will  you  buy  f 

Here  is  another, 

Good  as  the  other; 
Come  here,  and  my  books  quickly  buy  ! 
Tell  us  the  title,  then  ! 
'Tis  "  The  Friend  of  the  Cardinal.  " 
"  The  Friend  of  the  Cardinal !  " 
But  the  best  that  I  have  proffered. 
Of  the  books  that  I  have  offered  here  to-day, 
Was  written  by  Giovanni  Boccaccio. 
Boccaccio  !     Boccaccio  ! 
Much  has  he  to  tell  you,  neighbours, 
Of  adventures  here  in  Florence  ; 
Stories  of  the  men  you  know. 
Oh,  he  does  lash  those  fellows  so! 
What's  that  ?  <  „        i-     , 
Stand  back!    j  Hear  him  ! 

Now,  come,  and  buy  his  latest  works, 
"  Spinelloccia  "  and  "  Zeppa ! " 
Interesting  books,  indeed  ! 
Quickly,  quickly,  come  and  buy, 
Quickly,  quickly  come,  and  buy  ; 
For  he  tells  of  lazy  husbands. 
Drunken  husbands  here  in  P  lorence  ) 


Women.        Nice,  no  doubt,  and  quite  piquant ! 
Men.  Lies,  all  lies ;  no  lies  we  want  1 

Fratelli.     Ah  !  no  wonder  men  are  mad, 
To  be  told  that  they  are  bad ; 
Let  them  rave  and  fume  and  fret, 
We'll  be  even  with  them  yet  1 
Men,  It  is  a  falsehood ! 

Fratklli.     Tis  no  wonder  they  rage  ! 
Men.  Bold  and  bad-mannered  ! 

Fratelli.     They  are  caught  in  their  own  cage  I 
Men.  Oh,  it  is  shameful !     Shame  ! 

I  RATELLL     They  are  very  model  men  ! 
Women.         Ha,  ha,  ha,  ha,  ha,  ha,  ha,  ha ! 
It  is  no  wonder  that  they  rave, 
For  he  tells  how  they  misbehave ! 
Ha,  ha,  ha ! 
Students.     Hear  them  shout  in  anger  now,  ha,  ha,  ha! 
Men.  Oh,  for  shame  ! 

Women.        He  has  hit  them  well,  surely ! 
Men.  Silence ! 

Women.        It  is  now  for  us  to  lau'^h  !     Ha,  ha,  ha! 
Students.    Ha,  ha,  ha  !     Lots  of  fun ! 

Mischief  done  !     Ha,  ha  ha,  &c. 
Women.       r  Still,  we  have  to  chaff. 

We  have  to  chaff.     Ha,  ha,  ha,  &c.    Good  faa! 
Men.  We  shall  meet  him,  sometime, 

Somewhere  and  beat  him  ! 

Yes  ;  that  is  truly  so  ! 
Women.  Truthful  Boccaccio  !     Our  friend  Boccaccio, 

Writes,  as  his  books  show, 

Truth,  not  romance. 

Truthful  man,  indeed, 

Is  the  great  Boccaccio  !     Ha,  ha,  ha,  &c. 
Men.  The  mean  scamp  shall  not  mock  us.     No  ! 

We  won't  stand  that.     Just  wait! 
Students.       Pack  off !     Pack  off !  Be  off !     Quick  ! 

Ha,  ha,  ha,  ha,  ha,  ha,  ha,  &c. 

This  matter's  most  amusing,  sure, 

What  men  endure ! 

'Tis  owing  to  Boccaccio !     How  funny ! 

The  men  are  mad,  the  women  glad. 

And  it  is  funny  for  us.     Ha,  ha,  ha,  &c. 

Pack  off !     Pack  off !     Be  off,  quick !     Ha,  ha,  ha,  &c 

'Tis  good  enough  !     'Tis  good  enough  ! 

Believe  our  words  ;  beware  our  rage  ! 

Be  quiet  now — we've  had  enough  of  crying; 

Let  it  quickly  end  !     'Tis  good  enough  ! 

'Tis  good  enough !     Believe  our  words,  &c. 

This  farce  is  much  too  tragical, 

So  quickly  end  this  foolish  trouble. 

And  let  it  perish  as  a  bubble  ' 

Bravi!    Bravi       End  it  quickly! 


9 


We  shall  meet  him  sometime,  somewhere ! 

He  surely  will  not  heed  such  threats  as  yours  are  ! 

Somewhere  !  Hear  our  oath  that  we  will  kill  him  ! 

He  surely  will  not  mind  such  threats  as  yours  are! 

The  knave,  we  threaten  him  ! 

But  first  you  must  get  him — 

We  will  kill  him  ! 

Before  you  can  beat  him ! 

We  will  kill  him  ! 

Would  we  could  massacre  the  wretch  now! 

He  is  not  afraid  of  such  fools  as  you. 

No,  no,  no,  no,  no ! 

Ha,  ha,  ha,  ha,  ha,  ha  !     Ah,  no ! 

Truthful  Boccaccio,  &c. 

We  will  revenge  ourselves  ! 

No ;  we  will  not  spare  the  rascal  I 

He  dies  !     He  dies! 

Ha,  ha,  ha,  ha,  ha.  ha ! 

Yes ! 
Ha,  ha,  ha,  ha,  ha,  ha ! 
Keep  silence ! 
Not  now ! 
Adders  ! 
Blockheads 1 
Wildcats ! 
Dunces  ! 

Believe  our  words  ! 

Beware  our  fists,  or  you'll  get  the  worst  of  it! 
Beware,  beware,  our  strong  blows, 
Mind  you  that  ! 

Beware  our  nails,  or  you'll  get  the  worst  of  it  I 
Beware,  beware  our  sharp  nails, 
Mind  you  that  I 
Silence,  now ! 
Not  now  ! 
Adders  ! 
Blockheads  ! 
Wildcats  ! 
Dunces  ! 
Wildcats ! 
Believe  our  words  I 
Beware  our  fists,  &c. 
Beware  our  nails,  &c. 
This  farce  is  all  too  tragical; 
Would  you  have  blood  ? 
Beware  our  wrath  ! 
Come,  if  you  dare  ! 

Come  on  adders  !     Come  on,  wildcats  I 
Come  on,  blockheads ! 

(Tkatelli  has,  during  the  quarrel  between  the  men  and  womev,,  withdrawn 
behind  the  scenes  to  the  right,  up  the  stage.  As  he  sings  "New  Novetof" 
th4fuU  Chorus  rush  after  him. ) 


10 

Fratelli.  r  New  novels,  come  buy ! 

Buy  the  latest  novels  ! 
Students.       Hold  the  peace, 

And  make  no  noise  ! 
Women.  Spare  him,  we  pray; 

Use  no  harsh  words. 

We  read  his  books, 

And  we  like  them  too ! 
Men.  We'll  punish  him ; 

Let  him  beware  ! 

We'll  burn  his  books. 

And  we'll  take  his  life  ! 

fExit  Fratelli,  Students,  Beggars,  and  full  Chorus.) 
Leonetto.     Now  that  Beatrice's  father  is  away,  I  am  going  to  call 
upon  her. 

Song. — Leonetto. 

I  will  follow  where  thou  leadest  me, 
O  thou  fond  one,  wilt  thou  heed  me  ! 
Thou  art  queen  of  my  heart, 
I'll  follow;   say  that  we  shall  never  part. 

0  beloved  one — earth's  brightest  treasure! 
Thee  have  I  loved  without  measure  ; 

1  will  follow  thee  with  pleasure  ! 
Yes;  I'll  love  thee  forever. 
With  greatest  affection,  I'll  love, 
I'll  follow,  blindly,  kindly, 

If  thou  but  call. 

Yes,  blindly,  should'st  thou  call  on  me, 

Should'st  thou  call  on  me,  &c. 

(Exit  Leonetto  into  Scalza's  house.) 
(Enter  Lotter  and  Lamb.,  carrying  umbrellas.  •' 

LOTTER.  {Angrily.)  To  the  gallows  with  Boccaccio!  With  his  scan- 
dilous  novels  he  will  soon  make  our  heretofore  quiet  Florence 
{sneezes)  anything  but  pleasant  for  us. 

Lamb.     Too  true  :  your  sneezing  confirms  it ! 

f-Enter  Checco,  leading  a  dog,  round  the  neck  of  which  is  placard  on 

which  is  printed,  conspicuously,  the  words,  "  I  am  blind  I" 

Checco.     A  poor  blind  man. 

Lamb.  {Frightened.)     Oh,  what  shall  I  do  ? 

LoTTER.     What's  the  matter? 

Lamb.  Matter  enough !  Whenever  you  meet  a  blind  man  before 
mass,  it  is  a  sign  of  bad  luck. 

LoTTER.     Rubbish ! 

Lamb.  What's  that  you  say  ?  Rubbish  .?  1  tell  you,  it  is  no  non- 
sense !  I  have  tested  it.  I  would  rather  have  given  considerable 
money  than  to  have  had  it  happen  to  me.  I'll  bet  my  lottery 
ticket  don't  draw  a  prize  now !  I  know  the  bugs  will  eat  up  all 
my  olives. 


11 

LoTTER.     I  can  change  your  luck. 

Lamb.     You  can  ?     How  ? 

LoTTER.     Give  this  poor,  blind  man  some  money.     B»  liberaL 

Lamb.  {Dropping  coin.)    Well  ? 

('Checco  eagerly  picks  up  money.) 
Lamb.     How's  this  ? 

Checco.     Signor,  I  am  not  blind.     I  can  see  as  well  as  you  can! 
LOTTER.      Oh ! 

Lamb.     You  vagabond  !     Why  do  you  put  that  placard  on  your  dog  I 
Checco.     Because  the  poor  dog  is  blind  !     Thank  heaven,  I  am  not'. 
Besides,  they  put  the  wrong  tag  on  me  !     I  am  deaf  and  dumb  ! 

(Exit  Checco.    As  he  runs  off.  Lotter  and  Lamb,  beat  him  with 
their  umbrellas.) 

Lamb.     You  cheat !     Still,  I  am  glad  he  is  not  blind  ! 

Lotter.     You  are  like    an  old  woman  !     Stop  drinking   strong  tea, 

and  confine  yourself  to  lemonade.  You  see  too  many  ghosts  now! 
Lamb.     You  are  an  unbeliever !     I'll  prove   to   you   that   at   twelve 

o'clock  to-night  that  ghosts 

Lotter.     Oh,  yes  ;  you  want  darkness  and  mystery.  You  can't  prove 

your  stuff  in  bright  daylight. 
Populace  {outside').     Down  with  Boccaccio  ! 
Lamb.     A  few  nights  ago,  I  dreamed  that  a  big,  black  bull  came  after 

me    The  next  day,  a  real  bull  ran  after  me,  and  his  big  horns 

(At  this  moment  enter  Scalza,  carrying  umbrella,  who,  not  seeing 
LoTTKR  and  Lamb.,  runs  against  Lamb.,  who,  in  his  fright,  knocks 
Scalza  down,  and  then  assists  him  to  rise.) 

Lotter.     Down  with  Boccaccio  ! 

Scalza.     Boccaccio,  indeed  !     Yes ;  down  with  Boccaccio  ! 

Lotter  &  Lamb.     Oho ! 

Scalza.  Well,  why  do  you  knock  me  down  when  I  am  up,  and  help 
me  up  when  I  am  down?  Does  it  amuse  you?  What?  {He  re- 
coi^?iizes  them.)  Why,  friends  Lotterhinghi  and  Lambertuccio, 
have  you  lost  your  wits  ?     Good  morning.     {They  shake  hands.) 

Lotter      You  have  just  returned  from  a  journey,  Signor  Scalza? 

Scalza.  Yes ;  I  have  been  to  Pisa,  to  bleed  the  mayor  of  that  city, 
Beatrice,  my  daughter,  does  not  expect  me  home  until  to-morrow 
(poittts  toward  Jiis  house);  but  when  I  was  about  to  leave  Pisa,  I 
was  permitted  to  join  the  suite  of  the  Prince  of  Palermo,  Prince 
Pietro,  who  was  coming  to  Florence.     So  I  gained  a  day. 

Lamb.     The  suite  of  a  Prince. 

Scalza.  Yes ;  the  Prince  is  here  to  visit  the  court  of  the  Duke  of 
Tuscany,  in  order  to  meet  his  affianced.  {Is  about  to  enter  the 
house.) 

Lamb.  What  is  that  ?  His  affianced  ?  Our  Duke  has  no  daughter. 
He  has  three  children,  but  they  are  sons. 


11 

SCALZA.  Ah  I  But  it  is  a  great  secret. 
Lamb,  and  Lotter.  A  secret .?  Well  ? 
SCALZA.  {Confide7ttiaUy^  The  youngest  child  of  the  Duke  is  a  dau'^. 

ter,  but  she  has  not  fived  at  the  palace  for  some  years.     It  was 

given  out  at  the  time  of  the  birth  of  the  princess,  that  the  ho-M. 

was  a  boy. 
Lotter.     This  is  great  news,  indeed  ! 
Lamb.     But  it  is  true  ? 

ScALZA.     I  had  it  from  one  of  the  prince's  suit. 
Lamb.     I  wonder  whom  she  can  be  ? 
Lotter.     This  almost  makes  us  forget  that  scoundrel,  Boccacci«  * 

You  will  join  us,  Signor  Scalza  ? 
SCALZA.     Join  whom  ?     What  for  ? 
Lotter.     We  are  going  to  revenge  the  insults  Boccaccio  has  htwped 

upon  us      We  are  going  to  kill  him  ! 
Lamb.     You'd  better  wait  till  you  have  caught  him  ! 
Scalza.     Hear  me  I  Don't  be  so  boisterous  !    Don't  shed  any  blood  ! 

Banish  him  !     Let's  go  at  once  to  the  mayor  and  demand  Boccac- 
cio's punishment. 
Lamb.    I  agree  to  that ! 
Lottfr.     Then  you  will  go  without  me.  I  do  not  believe  in  any  such 

childish  punishment.    I  want  him  killed  right  here,  and  now  !    I'll 

kill  him  myself 

Scalza.     My  friend,  remember  your  dignity,  your  position.    You  are 

a  merchant  cooper;  I  am  at  the  head  of  a  tonsorial  palace.     We 

must  not  join  in  brutal  street  rows  ! 
Lamb.     Peace,  my  friends  !     Lotteringhi,  you  had  better  accept  the 

banishment. 
Scalza.     That  will  suit  us  all,  I  think.    For  my  part,  I  know  that  my 

daughter,  Beatrice  never  flirts  with  students,  so  Boccaccio  cannot 

write  about  her  in  his  novels.     She  is  very  circumspect. 
Lamb.    And  my  sister,  Peronella,  is  a  model  of  propriety.     She  is 

no  subject  for  Boccaccio's  pen. 
Lotter.     And,  as  for  my  wife,  Isabella,  the  whole  city  knows  that 

she  never  even  looks  at  any  gentleman  but  myself. 
Scalza.     That  is  true.    {Calls  to  his  daughter.)     Beatrice  ! 
Leonetto.  {From  Scalza's  house.)    Good  heavens  I     Her  father  1 
Lamb.     We  won't  mind  what  Boccaccio  writes. 
Scalza.     Good  bye,  friends  !  {Calls.)  Beatrice  ! 
Beatrice.    {Aside.)     Is  it  possible  ?    'Tis  my  father ! 
Bocc.     Your  father?     What  is  to  be  done  ? 
Beatrice.     I  will  tell  you  what  to  do. 
Lotter.    I  believe  Boccaccio  should  be  whipped  in  the  public  square 

before  he  is  banished  ! 
Lamb.  {To  Lotter.)    Don't  say  a  word  to  Scalza.    /  believe  in  that 


IS 


Boccaccio  ought  to  receive  some  lashes.     (Lamb,  and  Lotter 

start  to  go ) 
jCALZA.  (Tries  the  door  of  his  house.)  The  door  is  locked  :  my  daugh 

ler  is  asleep.     I  will  awake  her  by  singing  a  song.     {Calls  aftet 

Lamb,  and  Lotter.)  Will  you  join  me  ? 
.OTTER,  and  Lamb.   {Coming  back.)     With  pleasure. 

fScALZA,  Lotter.  and  Lamb.,  toAi7e  singing,  hold  their  umbrcUaa  at 
if  they  were  guitars,  and  pretend  to  play  upon  them. ) 

Serenade.    Trio. — Lotter  ,  Lamb.,  and  Scalza. 
Lotter.         From  thy  dreaming,  waken,  sweet  maiden  ; 

Hear  my  song  that  with  fond  love  is  laden. 
Lamb.  'Tis  thy  father  early  returning. 

With  deep  love  for  his  dear  child  '-<,  ning  ! 
Lotter.         Hear  my  sang — firu-liru-li,  firu-''        .-ra! 
Lamb.  Come  out  strong — firu-liru  'i.  •"        lU-le-ra. 

Lotter.         Hear  my  song,  firu-li-ru-li. 
Lamb.  Let  us  sing — firu-li-ru-la. 

All.  Let  us  sing  till  the  echoe=  -  !ig! 

Beatrice.  {From  Scai^za^s  house-    ^i-oken)     Father! 
Scalza.  {Spokeji)    What  is  thai  l;    ^e? 
Lamb.  {Spoken.)     Infernal  cats 

Lotter.         Dearest  maiden,  awake  from  thy  slumber, 

And  list  now  to  our  sweetest  number. 
Lamb.  'Tis  thy  father  i;arly,  &c. 

Lotter.         Hear  my    ci,g,  &c. 
Lamb.  Come  ort  strong,  &c. 

Lotter.         Hear  my  song,  &c. 
Lamb.  Let  us  sing,  &c. 

All.  Let  us  sing,  &c.     ( £"jr// Lotter.  a«^  Lamb.) 

(Beatrice  enters  fro?n  Scalza's  house.) 
Beatrice.     Help,  help  me  !     Help,  help  me!     Woe  is  mei 
Scalza,        That  is  Be-be-be-a-tri-ce  !     1  am  trembling  ! 
Bea.  Help!     Help  me ! 

Scalza.        What  is  it  ? 
Bea.  Help,  help  me  !     Help  me — quick ! 

{Clashing  of  swords  heard  inside  Scalza's  AousgJ 

I  must  help  her;  she's  in  trouble! 

What  is  the  matter,  dearest,  say? 

Come,  help  me  ! 

What  my  child  ? 

Com.e,  help  me,  at  once  ! 

What,  my  child !     Hear  me  now  I 

What's  the  trouble  ?— tell  me  ! 

Dear  one,  what's  the  matter  ? 

Tell  me  quick ! 

Father,  for  you  Iv'e  been  waiting, 

Eagerly  anticipating : 


jCALZA. 

3ea. 
scalza. 
Bea. 
Scalza. 


Bea. 


14 


I'm  so  glad  you  are  returning  I 
You're  returning,  just  ia  time  I 
SCALZA.         What's  going  on  ? 
Bea.  I'll  quickly  tell  you. 

SCALZA.        What  danger's  here? 
Bea.  I'll  tell  you  everything; 

You  see,  I  am  so  frightened, 
I  can  hardly  speak  ! 

'Twas  a  stranger  who  sought  for  shelter 
In  our  house,  from  blinding  rain, 

(Madonna,  hear  !  )     {Aside  crosses  herself^ 
He  was  followed  by  a  rude  fellow, 

Who  struck  him  down  in  pain  ! 
I  nearly  died — I  fainted  ! 
Oh,  that  cruel  cavalier  ! 
List'ning,  in  trembling, 
I  was  dissembling; 
I  heard  your  loving  voice, 
It  made  me  rejoice  ; 
Father,  believe  me, 
You  must  not  leave  me. 
Had  you  not  come. 
Were  you  not  here. 
My  father  dear, 
I  should  have  died  with  fear ! 
Ah  !  see,  1  am  so  tearful, 
It  is  so  fearful ! 

Oh,  I  might  have  been  killed  ! 
{Throws  her  arms  around  Jier  father' s  neck.) 
He  is  so  young,  so  graceful,  and  so  brave, 
Oh,  would  that  I  his  fair  young  life  might  save! 
Ah,  yes  !  he  is  so  young  and  fair  and  brave, 
1  would  that  I  his  bright  young  life  might  save  ! 
You  are  frightened,  my  daughter; 
Surely,  there  can  be  no  fear  of  slaughter; 
Calm  your  fears,  my  own  dear  daughter  ; 
For,  surely,  there  can  be  no  fear  of  slaughter  ! 
So  you  must  dry  your  tears,  my  dearest  daughter, 

Y'ou  are  my  own  darling  child  ! 
Oh,  'twere  a  pity  he  should  die  ! 
{Clashing  of  swords  agaiti  heard  behind  the  scenes.) 

There  they  are ! 
This  way  they're  coming  now  ! 
Enter  Leonetto  and  Boccaccio//'y?;;/  Scalza's  house  uearing 
masks  and  fencing) 
Now,  I  will  have  your  life  ! 
1  soon  will  end  this  strife  ! 
How  dreadful  !     They  are  fighting! 
'Tis  murder! 
Leon.  Now,  villiaa,  you  must  die  1 


SCALZ  v. 


Bea 


SCALZA. 


Boc. 
Leon. 

SCALZA. 


10 


>■} 

,ZA. 

)N.    ) 
lLZA. 

Boc.      > 
Leon.  ) 


He's  sraiting ! 

Pity! 

You  must  defend  your  life, 

So,  take  your  place  ! 

Oh,  heaven !     It  is  so  frightful,  is  it  not? 
Spare  him ! 

And  mind  your  face  ! 

It  is  a  very  cruel  thing! 
Pity! 

So  keep  your  place  ! 

Some  one  a  stop  to  this  roust  bring! 
Spare  him  1 

Riofhtface! 


SCALZA. 

Bea. 

Boc. 

Boc. 

Leon. 

Scalza. 

Bea. 

Boc. 

Leon. 

Scalza. 

Bea. 

Boc. 

Leon. 

Scalza. 

Bea. 

Boc.   ) 

Leon,  i 

Bea.  (Asi/e.)     Both  are  playing  very  well! 

Boc 


Leon.  ) 

Scalza. 

Boc. 

Leon. 

Scalza. 

Boc. 

Leon. 

Boc. 

Scalza. 

Leon. 
Scalza. 

Bea. 

Boc.     > 

Leon.  | 

Scalza. 

Bea. 

Scalza. 

Boc.     / 

Leon.  J 

Scalza. 

Bea. 

Boc. 

Leon. 

Scalza. 

Boc. 


Now,  then,  just  mind  and  pay  attention! 

Oh  1  this  danger  who'll  avert  ? 

Die,  now,  you  rascal ! 

Be  careful,  now,  young  man  ! 

Oh !     Oh  ! 

You  are  a  villian!  Take  that,  you  scoundrel  1 

You  must  mind  when  "  parry !  "  I  shall  call  I 

What  do  you  mean  ? 

Such  a  scamp  I've  seldom  seen! 

Yes  ;  I  must  interfere  ! 

Or  they  will  die — 

One  of  us  must  surely  fall ! 

On  the  ground  lie  ! 

That  will,  surely,  be  the  last ! 

Come,  let  us  go  within  the  house! 

I'll  kill  all  who  oppose  me  ! 

They  now  breathe  fast ! 

Let  us  go  in  ! 

I  shall  be  witness  of  their  death! 

Yes,  I'll  have  to  cut  you  down  !  Yes! 

Come,  my  child,  we  must  away  1     Ha! 

Yes  I  come  along  ! 

Die  now  ! 

Villian ! 

Horror  ! 

There — take  that!  and  that,  sir! 


(Enter  two  students,  who,  seeing  the  quarrel  between  Boc.  and  Lbxhv. 
beckon  t9  the  other  students.    Enter  students.) 

Leon.  Die,  now,  you  scoundrel ! 

Scalza.        Oh!    Okl 


16 


Leon. 

Boc. 

Leon. 

SCALZA. 

Boc. 

Leon. 

Boc. 


You  are  a  scoundrel  I 
Take  this  blow  and  parry  ! 
Die  now,  you  rascal ! 
Every  blow  strikes  me  I 
There,  take  that ! 
What  do  you  men .-' 
Spare  me ! 

(During  the  fighting  o/Boc.  and  Leon,  Scalza.  has  tried  to  separate 
them  by  opening  his  timbrella  between  them,  and,  in  doing  so,  they 
have  made  several  thrusts  at  him.) 

{Enter  Beggars  and  Chorus^ 
Students.     {Drawing  swords  and  pairing  off.) 
Here's  a  fight,  and,  wrong  or  right, 
We'll  join  in  it  with  all  our  might, 
We'll  join  in  it  with  all  our  might, 

Although  we  live  or  die,  ha  ! 
We  are  ready  now.  ha,  ha  ! 
Just  now,  ha,  ha  !  &c. 
For  any  body's  row,  ha,  ha  ! 
And  we  will  show  you  how  ! 
You  see  !     They  are  all  mad ! 

Parry — take  care  !    Beware  ! 

You  see  !  They  are  all  mad  ! 
My  father  is  afraid,  I  see,  ah  ! 
Good  joke  !  It  is  such  fun  ! 
Our  artful  little  ruse  has  won. 


Bea. 

Boc. 

Leon 

Scalza. 

Bea 


.J 


Boc. 
Leon. 

Scalza. 


Bea 
Boc. 
Leon. 


Scalza. 


>  Be  on  your  guard  ;  take  that,  my  man,  and  falL 
)  Take  care  !     Parry  !     On  guard  ! 
I'll  soon  disarm  you  now,  my  man  I 
I  must  admit,  1  am  afraid — ah  ! 

Enough !     Enough ! 
We've  had  enough  ;  let  it  end  here  ! 
(Boccaccio  and  Leonetto  and  Students,  in  pairs,  fencs,) 


Cho. 


'When  aXi  the  bright  swords  are  flashing 

In  the  morning  light. 
When  all  the  steel  tongues  are  clashing. 
Then  the  student's  very  happy  ! 
Although  in  danger, 
He  is  to  fear  a  stranger. 
The  music  of  the  sword 
Is  the  sweetest  in  the  world  to  him! 
Dreadful  are  the  swords  now  flashing 

In  the  morning  light  ! 
So  I'm  going  from  the  danger. 

Or  else  1  shall  die  of  fright ! 

So  I  will  go  at  once  from  danger, 

For  to  courage  I  am  a  stranger. 

So,  I  am  going  right  away, 

I  surely  can  no  longer  stay. 
When  bright  swordsare  flashing,  &c. 


17 


Bea.  Yes  !    Yes  ! 

Boc.  Die,  now,  you  rascal ! 

Leon.  There!     Take  that,  sir  and  that  I 

ScALZA.  Oh!     Oh! 

Bea.  He  now  is  trembling ! 

Boc.  You  are  a  villian  I 

Bea.  Yes  !    Yes  ! 

Boc.  Take  that,  you  scoundrel ! 

Leon.  Take  this  blow,  and  parry ! 

Scalza.         Now,  'tis  quite  clear  , 

Leon.  There,  take  that !     Ha ! 

Scalza.        Yes,  with  fear  ! 

Students.     Die,  now,  you  rascal !  &c. 

Chorus.         Bright  swords  are  flashing. 

Steel  tongues  are  clashing  I 

Flashing  and  clashing ! 

Sweetest  music,  Ha ! 

'Tis  music  to  them  all,  Ha  ! 

'Tis  music  to  them  all ! 
Swords  are  flashing,  &c. 

I  am  dissembling ; 

He's  surely  now  trembling ; 

He  is  afraid  1 

What  a  trick  it  is  that  I  have  played ! 

'Tis  music  to  them  all,  ha  ! 
'Tis  music  to  them  all! 

Swords  are  flashing, 

Clashing,  flashing,  clashing, 

In  the  morning  light, 

Or  in  the  dead  of  night, 

As  all  danger  they  invite! 

I  cannot  call  it  music  ; 

'Tis  far  from  being  music! 

Swords  are  flashing, 

Clashing,  flashing,  clashing! 

See  the  flashing,  hear  the  clashing! 

As  all  danger  they  do  here  invite ! 

(As  the  ensemble  closes,  Scalza  and  Beatrice  go  into  Scalza'8  Aoum. 
The  Students  drive  the  people  back.    All  exit  except  Boccac- 
cio, Leonetto  and  the  students.    Boccaccio,  and  Leonetto 
remove  masks.) 

Students.     Boccaccio  ?    Leonetto  ? 

Boc.     Two /n'ends,  after  all ! 

Chichibio.     Two  rh'a/s/ 

Boc.     Yes,  gentlemen ;    Boccaccio's    rival   is  your  friend   and  mj 

friend — our  friend,  Leonetto.     I  was  first  on  the  spot. 
Leon.     I  have  adored  Beatrice  for  six  weeks. 
Boc.     And  I  have  known  her  just  thirty  minutes  ! 
Tofano.     And  what  is  the  moral  of  this  adventube  ? 
Boc.     It  is  that  a  new  love  is  the  old  one  of  another  lover! 
All.     He  is  quite  right. 
Leon.     Tell  me  how  you  came  to  know  Signorina  Beatrice. 


Bea. 


Boc.  > 
Leon,  f 
Full  Cho 


Scalza. 


18 

All.    Yes ;  tell  us ! 

Boc.     I  will.     I  must  fell  you  that  I  love 

Leon.     Beatrice  ? 

Boc.  No !  I  love  an  unknown  maiden.  Since  I  first  met  her,  I  see 
her  everywhere.  Such  is  the  force  of  a  poet's  imagination  !  In 
that  church  I  sought  her  this  morning  Not  finding  her,  I  gave 
my  arm  to  another,  and  thus,  escorting  her  home  from  church 

ToFANO.     You  became  accquainted  with  Beatrice  Scalza. 

Boc.  Yes.  Though  she  cannot  bear  comparison  with  my  unknown 
angel,  she,  nevertheless,  somewhat  resembles  her  ! 

Leon.     Why  ?     What  resemblance  ? 

Boc.     In  that  they  are  both  strangers  to  me  ! 

Chich.     a  great  reason,  truly  !     How  absurd  !     Listen  ! 

Boc.  As  we  wended  our  way  from  church,  Beatrice  suddenly  walked 
into  Scalza's  barber  shop.  Thus,  Leonetto  and  I  became  rivals. 
While  I  was  chatting  pleasantly  with  my  new  acquaintance,  Leo- 
netto entered,  calling  for  Scalza.  Beatrice,  hearing  him,  told  me 
that  her  grandfather  was  coming,  as  she  knew  his  voice.  {To  Le- 
onetto.) You  are  her  grandfather  !  Beatrice  called  down  stairs 
for  you  to  wait  She  shouted,  "Wait  a  moment,  please.  My 
sister  is  making  a  call  upon  me  ! " 

Leon.     You  are  her  sister !     What  a  joke  ! 

Boc.  Yes,  Well,  we  were  talking  of  student  life,  when  suddenly  her 
father  unexpectedly  arrived  from  Pisa,  one  day  earlier  than  she 
had  expected  him  ! 

ToFANO.     Is  it  possible  ? 

Boc.  Not  wishing  her  father  to  know  that  she  ever  received  calls 
from  students,  or  even  engaged  in  conversation  with  them,  she 
resolved  upon  a  harmless  little  ruse,  which  was  to  make  her 
father  believe  that  two  strangers  had  entered  the  house,  and  that 
one  had  attacked  the  other,  as  if  to  kill  him.  She  gave  me  a 
mask  ;  told  me  to  draw  my  sword.  She  told  me  to  make  a  mock 
fight.     You  know  the  rest.     Is  Leonetto  satisfied.'' 

Leon.    Quite ! 

TOFANO.  AH  of  which  shows  us  how  you  obtain  materials  for  your 
sensational  novels  !      You  are  so  fascinating  I 

Boc.     True  !     I  cannot  help  it  if  all  the  ladies  adore  me  ! 
{Looks  into  church  door.) 

Song. — Boccaccio. 

There  is  a  jolly  student  standing  there, 

He  sees  a  gentle  maiden  young  and  fair; 

She's  walking  with  her  father  down  the  street, 

With  smiles  ^hey  greet. 

She  is  a  blue-eyed  girl,  with  fiaxen  hair  ; 

She  nods  and  smiles,  as  if  to  banish  care ; 


19 

But  on  her  father's  face  a  frown  is  sees, 
He  does  not  smile, 
For  he  does  not  like  the  students ; 
Yet  the  student  loves  the  girl. 
He  now  asks  to  wed  the  maiden — 
She  would  like  to  be  his  bride. 
He  declares  his  fixed  endeavor, 
They  would  happy  be  for  ever, 
From  each  other  would  not  sever. 
Ah  I  they  should  be  parted  never; 
See  !     Her  father,  now  relenting, 
Is  reluctantly  consenting — 
Happy  are  all  three  at  last. 
I  take  my  pen  and  write  again 
Of  romance  that  around  their  lives  is  cast) 
Old  stories  and  tales  new ; 
False  stories  and  tales  true  ; 

Assist  me,  now,  Fancy  ! 
I  write,  with  greatest  ease, 

A  chapter  every  day; 
I  pen  whate'er  I  please, 

And  none  can  say  me  nay; 
I  care  not  for  the  men, 

Their  threat'nings  I  defy, 
So  long  as  I  the  fair  ones  please, 

Who  cares  ?     Not  I  ! 
For  I  write  for  glory,  not  for  gold ; 

I  am  a  conscientious  man  ; 
And  that  is  why  my  novels  here  have  sold  ! 

Let  them  read ! 
I  cannot  wonder  that  'tis  so  ! 
There  are  none  who  more  truth  do  show  ? 
They  love  Boccaccio. 
Lbon.  We  will  read  ! 

No  greater  writer  do  we  know  ! 
There  are  none  whom  we  all  love  so. 
We  love  Boccaccio  ! 
Students     Yes  ;  his  stories  we  will  gladly  read  ' 

No  greater  writer,  &c.   {Exit  BocCACClO  tniockurck.] 

Students.  (Spoken.)    Addio,  Boccaccio  I 

(Enter  Lambertuccio,  Lotterenghi,  Marietta,  Donna  Janoo- 
FiERE,  Eliza,  Donna  Pulci,  Augustina,  Elena,  Angelica, 
Checco,  Anselmo,  Chiaccometto,  aiid  Tito,  all  on  their 
way  to  church.) 

LoTTER.  (To  Lamb.)    Look  at  Boccaccio  going  to  church  ! 
Lamb.     He  knows  why  I 
LoTTER.     Let  us  follow  him  ! 
{Exti  Loiter,  and  Lamb   t'n^a  church.  Enter  ScALZAa»</BEA4 


20 

Leon.  {To  Beatrice.)    Pray  that  your  falshood  may  be  forgiven  ! 
SCALZA.     In  future,   ray   dear  daughter,  do  not  open   the   door  to 

strangers.     {Exit  all  into  church.      Enter  Isabella.) 
ISA.     Where  is  Fresco  .''     Fresco,  you  lazy  fellow  ! 

(Enter  FRESCO,  carrying  a  large  cake  behind  him.) 
Fresco.     Here  I  am  ! 
ISA.     Where  is  my  hymn-book  that  I  told  you  to  bring .-'    Where  have 

you  been  loitering.-* 
Fresco.     I  came  as  soon  as  I  could.     I  stopped  to  buy  me  a  Saint 

John's  festival  cake. 
ISA.     I  will  punish  you  for  this  when  we  get  home.     Go  into  church 
{Exit  Fresco  into  chtcrch.) 

(Afttr  driving  P'resco   into    church,  in  great  rage,    Isabella 

stopsy  assumes  a  very  devotional  air,  and  slowly  exits  into 

church.     Enter  Fiametta  a?id  Peronella.) 

Duet. — Fiametta  and  Peronella. 

Fiametta.  )  The  bells  are  chiming,  sweet  and  low, 
Peron.        )  As  to  the  church  we  slowly  go  ; 
Fiametta.     The  church  is  filled  to-day  ! 

To  the  house  of  prayer  come  ! 

As  bells  so  softly  ring. 

Softly,  sweetly  ringing  to-day  1 
Peron.  Yes  !  The  church  is  filled  to-day  ! 

Ah,  hear!    The  bells  are  ringing; 

As  we  near  the  house  of  prayer,  we  hesu', 

Hear!     The  sweet  bells  ringing. 

In  yon  belfry  swinging,  us  invite  ! 

Come  to  the  house  of  prayer  ! 
(My  new  dress  seems  too  long  !) 
Fiametta.     Oh,  would  that  I  might  meet  him  here  ! 
Peron.  I  know  that  there  will  be  a  throng ! 

Fiametta.     He  is  to  me  so  very  dear  ! 
Peron.  Hasten,  now  !  The  bells  are  ringing! 

Come,  or  we  will  miss  the  singing  ! 
Fiametta.     He  is  my  true,  fond  love,  my  own  ; 

Ah  !  I  sigh  for  him  alone  ! 
Both.  Come  to  the  house  of  prayer ! 

Fiametta.     To  the  blessed  house  of  prayer  ! 
Peron.  Yes,  come,  come  to  the  house  of  prayer  ! 

Peron.  Come,  Fiametta,  we  must  go  into  church.  We  are  very  late. 
This  is  a  double  holiday  for  us.  It  is  just  ten  years  ago  to-day, 
since  a  stranger  brought  you,  a  sweet  little  child,  to  our  home. 
My  brother  agreed  to  adopt  you. 

Fiam.     Ten  years  !     Alas  !     I  do  not  know  my  parents  ! 

Peron.     Which  may  possibly  be  just  as  well ! 

Fiam.     I  do  not  know  why.      1  should  like  to  know  them  I 


21 


(Enter  "Qocc ACCio  fyom  churcn.     He  stands  in  the  doorway 
unobserved  by  them.) 

Boc.     {Aside.)     There  she  is  !     She  is  almost  an  angel !     She  is  al 

ways  with  that  sister. 
Pekon.     I  have  been  told,  lately,  by  the  person  who  brings  the  money 

to   pay   for    your  support   and   tuition,   that    your    parents   are 

inclined  to  have  you  marry. 
Eoc.  {Aside.)     Indeed! 
FiAM.     Married?     To  whom? 
Peron.     To    a  very   rich   gentleman,    holding   a  high    government 

position. 

FlAM.     Whom  I  do  not  love,  nor  even  know  !     Never  ! 

Boc.  {Aside.)    Brava ! 

Peron.     And  why  not  ?    You  can  learn  to  love   him  after  you   are 

married ! 
FiAM.     Flames  after  smoke  ?     Lightning  after  thunder  ? 
Boc.  (Aside.)     She  is  as  witty  a.^  she  is  beautiful. 
Peron.     Who  told  you  that  matrimony  is  a  home  of  smoke,  thunder, 

and  lightning  ? 
FlAM.     True  love  is  like  heaven's  lightning,  flashing  from  eye  to  eye, 

straight  to  the  heart ! 
Boc.  {Aside.)     Poetical  too  !     What  a  treasure  ! 
Peron.     All  illusions  :  I  know  ;  for  I  am  older  than  you. 
Boc.  (Aside.)     Quite  true  ! 
FlAM.     I  am  right.     Listen,  and  I  will  tell  you  in  song: 

Song. — Fiametta. 

O  Love  !  sweet,  tender  flower, 

That  blossoms  in  a  day ! 
Beneath's  Truth's  warm  and  radiant  sua. 

It  never  knows  decay  ; 
The  tender  bud  will  wither, 

When  faith  bedews  it  not ; 
When  thro'  the  cloud  no  sunshine  comes, 

How  sad  is  then  my  lot ! 
May  faith  and  trust  keep  summer 

Eternal  in  my  heart 
Nor  let  the  wintry  frost  of  doubt 

Bid  e'er  from  my  life  this  hope  depart! 
That  I  am  thine,  beloved, 

And  mine  alone  thou  art  I 

Boc.  (Aside.)    How  charming !     How  pure  and  sweet ! 

Pfron.  Nonsense!  All  illusions  !  Love  is  sentimental  nonsense! 
A  rich  husband  is  what  every  young  girl  should  seek.  I  am  look- 
ing for  one  myself. 

Boc.  (Aside  to  Fiametta.)     Maiden,  I  lo ve  you  alone  ! 


22 

FlAM.     It  is  the  student ! 

Peron.     Who  is  it,  Fiametta  ?  {To  Boc.)    Who  are  you,  sir? 

Boc.     I  wish  to  offer  you  some  festival  flowers.     {^Hands  Peron  a 

smell  bouquet.) 
Peron.     I  thank  you,  stranger!  {Bows  and  exits  into  church.) 

Boccaccio.   {Kneels  at  Fiametta's  feet.) 

Thou  art  a  tender  flower 

That  blossoms  in  my  heart; 
And  every  thought  of  others 

Before  thy  presence  must  depart; 
Thou  art  a  tender  flower,  &:c. 

(Boc,  as  he  concludes  his  song,  hands  Fiametta  a  small  bouquet., 
FlAM.  {To  Boc.)     Thanks  !     {Bows  low  and  exits  into  church) 
Boc.  {Lookiiig  after  Fiametta.)     We  shall  meet  again  ! 

{Exit  to  the  right  tip  the  stage.     Enter  Pietro.) 

FlETRO.  Well  this  is,  indeed,  a  change  for  me  !  I  am  the  first  prince 
at  Palermo,  and  the  last  student  in  Florence.  And  I  come  as  a 
lover  too  !  I  am  sure  that  I  shall  not  be  recognized.  The  duke, 
my  father,  said  to  me  the  other  day,  "  Pietro,  you  are  no  longer  a 
boy.  It  is  time  you  took  a  wife  !  Set  out  at  once  for  Florence. 
The  duke  of  that  city  has  a  lovely  young  daughter.  Marry  her. 
By  this  act,  we  shall  strengthen  our  alliance  with  Florence." 
The  daughter  may  be  a  Hebe  and  the  duke  an  Adonis  :  I  do  not 
care  to  become  acquainted  with  either  of  them.  I  like  the  society 
of  the  young  ladies,  but  I  do  not  propose  to  marry  just  yet.  I 
am  too  fond  of  wine  and  flirtation. 

Song. — Pietro. 

What  tempts  the  student  from  studies  grand? 
Wine  is  the  magic  none  can  withstand, 
For  in  its  sparkle  solace  is  found ; 
Dreams  of  an  Eden  in  it  abound  ! 
Bringing  a  vision  of  soft  and  sweet  delight. 
Pleasure  Elysian,  and  joy  complete  and  bright  I 

Thus  doth  the  student 

Dream  the  swift  hours  away, 

Heeding  no  future — 
Life's  but  a  day  ! 

Wine,  wife  and  song 

Our  joys  prolong; 

Lifs's  couleur  de  rose. 

As  with  pleasure  it  glows, 

Sing  praise  to  wine. 

Nectar  divine  ! 

As  we  pledge  anew 

Vow  to  our  love  so  trtw. 


23 

What  loves  the  student  more  than  his  books? 
Surely,  he  prizes  his  fond  one's  looks  ; 
For  when  she  gazes  on  him  with  love, 
Brighter  than  sunbeams   'tis  from  above. 
Wine  and  flirtation,  these  are  liis  studies  choice; 
These  are  temptations,  making  his  heart  rejoice  ; 
Wine  and  flirtation,  these  are  his  studies  choice. 
These  are  the  temptations  that  his  heart  rejoice. 

PiETRO.  If  I  were  not  Prince  of  Palermo,  I  would  like  to  be  Boccac- 
cio. {Takes  book  from  pocket')  Here  is  his  latest  novel!  It 
is  jolly !  How  he  abuses  the  poor,  miserable,  lazy,  tippling  hus- 
bands, to  be  sure  !     Ha  !     Ha !     Ha !      {Enter  Leonetto  ) 

Leon.  {Entering,  sees  Pietro  froin  behind,  and  mistakes  Jii/n  for 
Bocc. — Aside)  I  do  not  think  Boccaccio  knows  tliat  his  angel 
is  in  the  church.     {To  Pietro.)     Ah.  Boccaccio  !  You  are  here  I 

Pietro.  {Surprised  and  turns  to  X.^O'h)  Signor  .^ 

Leon.     I  beg  your  pardon  !     A  mistake ! 

Pietro.     You  honor  me  ! 

Leon.     You  resemble  Boccaccio,  at  all  events  ! 

Pietro.     In  the  back  of  my  head !    {Enter  Boc.) 

Leon.     The  front  of  his  head  looks  like  that !  {Points  to  Boc.) 

Pietro.     What !     Is  it  possible  ?     Ah  ! 

Boc.     Your  servant,  cavalier. 

Pietro.  (71?  Leonetto.)  How  fortunate!  (Ti?  Boc.)  Have  I  the 
honor  of  addressing  the  nation's  greatest  poet .-'  The  pride  of  I  taly  ? 

Boc.     I  am  not  Petrarch. 

Pietro.     No;  Giovanni  Boccaccio! 

Boc.     Too  much  honor  !     And  you  are .-* 

Pietro.  My  name  ?  {Aside.)  I  must  preserve  my  incognito  I  never 
thought  of  a  name.  ( To  Boc.)  My  name  is  Alessandro  Chiar- 
montese.     I  am  a  Sicilian — a  student. 

Boc.     What  did  you  study  at  Palermo  ? 

Pietro.  Nothing.  Ah,  yes,  yes— two  branches.  Wine  and  flirta- 
tation ! 

Boc.     Pleasant  studies,  truly  ! 

Pietro.     At  Florence  I  shall  study  human  nature. 

Boc  Then  you  can  continue  your  studies  in  beverages.  All  the  men 
of  Florence  are  tipplers. 

Pietro.     I  want  to  be  a  novelist  too. 

Leon     Ah,  indeed. 

Ptetro.  I  am  young  and  not  without  spirit  and  ambition ;  and  I  alsc 
have  some  money. 

Leon.     Give  me  more  spirit  and  less  money. 

Pietro.  {Laughs — to  Leon.)  Not  bad.  {To  Boc.)  Pray,  sub'ira* 
poet  and  novehst,  will  you  acceot  a  pupil  ? 


24 

Boc,     You've  a  wrong  idea,  Allessandro  !  My  novels  are  not  invented. 

They  are  a  reflection  from  life.     I  live  all  my  romances  before 

writing  them. 
PiETRO.     Just  my  idea !     I  want  to  live  some  of  them  to. 
Leon.     Then,  welcome  to  Florence ! 
PiETRO.     Will  you  give   me  an  introduction   to  the  good  people  o/ 

Florence  ?    {To  Leon.)     Will  you  too  ? 
Leon.     Gladly. 
Boc.     Come,  prepare ! 

( Enter  people  from  church,  passing  across  the  stage,  and  exit.) 

Leon.  (To  Boc,  as  some  old  ladies  enter)     Come,  Alessandro,  let  me 

introduce  you  to  those  ladies. 
PiETRO.    No,  Leonetto.  I  will  not  deprive  you  of  their  society  for  the 

world. 
Boc.  {Aside)    The  services  are  over ;  my  fair  one  will  soon  appear ! 

(Enter  all  who  have  been  in  the  church,  -slowly,  as  Isabella,  Beatricb 
and  Peronella  enter.) 

PiETRO.  {To  Leon.)     Who  is  that  lady.? 

Leon.  {Thinking  he  means  Beatrice.)     Those  fair  blue  eyes? 

PiETRO.     No,  no  !     The  other  I 

Leon.     That  is  Isabella,  the  cooper's  niece. 

Bea.  {To  Peron.)     Where  did  you  leave  Fiametta? 

Peron.     In  the  church,  praying  to   be    relieved  from  the   evil  which 

threatens  her.     Her  father  wants  to  marry  her,  against  ker  will. 

Heaven  help  her ! 
Bea.     Amen ! 

Peron.     Still,  the  intended  husband  is  rich.      I  would  marry  him. 
ISA.     My  husband  is  a  drunkard.     Were  I  not  married,  I  would  not 

be.     Marriage  is  slavery. 
PiETRO.  {To  Leon.)     What  a  pretty  girl  the  cooper's  niece  is  !     Will 

you  introduce  me  ? 
ISA.  {To  Peron.)     What  a  fine  cavalier! 

\Le.o^.  presents  PlETRO  to  ISA.] 
ISA.  {To  PiETRO.)     You  come  from  Sicily.    Our  sun  is  not  as  brigln 

as  yours. 
PiETRO.     Then   I  will  look  into  your  eyes  !  {To  Leon.)    I  am  writing 

the  preface  ! 
Is  A.     Besides,  our  climate  is  cold. 

PiETRO.     I  have  brought  eternal  fire  from  i^tna  within  my  heart! 
ISA.    You  are  a  poet. 

Checco.  {To  Pietro.)     A  poor  blind  man! 
PiETRO.  {To  Checco.)     Away  with  you  ! 
Z\\s.Q,Q.o.  (Aside."^    Miser  I    (2'<?  Boc.)    A  poor  cripple  I 


15 


Boc.  [Pu/s  money  in  Checco's  hat.'\    There. 
Checco.     Thanks,  signor. 

{Exit  all  but  BoccACCio,  Leon.,  Pietro,  Checco,  Isabi<xla, 
Beatrice  and  Peron.] 

Boc.  [Aside.]    What  shall  I  do  ?  {To  Checco.     Do  you  want  to  earn 
some  more  money,  my  poor  fellow  ? 

(Hands  another  coin  to  Checco,  who  puts  crutch  over  his  shoulder 
and  runs  after  Boc    Exit  Boc  and  Checco.^ 
Bea.    {To  Is  a.  and  ^RKO'ii.,  walking  towards  Sc\t.z\^S  house.'\    Will 

you  take  a  glass  of  wine,  ladies? 
ISA.  &  Peron.     Thanks.     With  pleasure. 
Pietro  &  Leon.     May  we  escort  you  ladies  ? 
Bea.     Some  other  time,  gentlemen.     To-morrow.     {Exit  Bea.,  IgA^ 

and  Peron.  into  Scalza's  house.'] 
Pietro     Where's  Boccaccio  ? 
Leon.    {Looks  into  church.]     He  cannot  be  far   away.     I  am  going 

over  to  the  public  house.     You'll  find  me  there.     {Aside.]     That 

young  man  is  a  second  Boccaccio  !     {Exit  Leon.] 
Pietro.    Addio  !  {Looks  into  chtirch.    Enter  Lotter.  &  Lamb.] 
LoTTER.  (7b  Lamb.)    It  is  Boccaccio!- 
Lamb.  {^To  Lotter.)    Be  quiet — we've  got  him  now ! 
Pietro.  {Does  not  see  them.)  I  cannot  find  him.     He  has  gone  to  the 

public  house. 
Lamb.  {Takes  Pietro  by  the  shoulder)  I  have  business  with  you,  sir. 

{Strikes  him  with  umbrella^)     Take  that ! 
Lotter.  {Strikes  Pietro.)   And  that ! 
Pietro.     Oh ! 
Lamb.     Take  that !  {Hits  Pietro  again)    You  miserable  scribbler ! 

{Calls.)  Scalza  ! 
Lotter.    {Hits  Pietro.)    Take  that,  you  abusive  coward  I    ( Calls.) 

Scalza,  come  here ! 
Pietro.  (Aside.)  Scribbler  ?     What  do  they  mean  ? 
Lamb.  {Pounds  on   Scalza's  door.)     Scalza,   come   quickly !     Here 

he  is ! 
Pietro.     Havp  done,  or  I  will  cut  you  to   pieces !     {Draws  sword, 

runs  off.     Exit  "Pietro,  Lotter  ,  and  Lamb.) 

{Enter   FiameT'^I  from  church.     Enter  Boccaccio,   disguised 
as  a  beggar^ 

FiAM      They  left  me  alone  !     Where's  Peronella? 
^QQ.  {Aside)    Just  in  time!     Pll  meet  her  as  a  beggar. 


16 


Duet. — Fiametta  &  Boccaccio. 

Boo.  A  poor,  blind  beggar  now  asks  you  for  pity, 

I  pray  you  hear  me,  fairest  in  the  city ! 
Give  me  a  hearing,  I  pray  you,  fair  lady — 

0  lovely  lady,  have  pity,  have  pity ! 
Help,  oh,  help,  I  do  beseech  thee  ! 

Gentle  lady,  hear  me  now! 

FlAM.  Who  is  that  ?     It  is  his  voice  ! 

1  know  that  voice  !    Yes,  it  is  one  I  love  ! 
Boc.             She  listens  !     Oh  joy ! 

Have  pity,  gentle  lady  !  Do  have  pity  I 
FiAM.  Yes,  I  can  trust  this  beggar's  face ! 

Boc.  Give  me  one  word,  and  it  will  make  me  happy  I 

FiAM.  He  can't  disguise  an  inborn  grace  ! 

I'll  trust  him!     I'll  hear  him  ! 

I  like  his  honest,  manly  face — 

No  signs  of  roguery  I  trace  ! 
I'll  answer ! 
Boc.  Give  me  one  word,  and  it  will  make  me  happy ; 

One  simple  word,  and  yet  it  makes  me  rich  as  Croesus' 

Yes,  but  one  word,  one  word  ! 

One  word,  and  yet  it  makes  me  rich  as  Croesus  I 
Just  a  word,  one  word  ! 
FlAM.  One  word  ?     One  word  ? 

Boc.  Speak  to  me,  gentle  lady,  speak  I 

Speak  but  a  little  simple  word  ! 
FiAM  One  word  to  him  !     One  word  to  him  I 

Boc.  But  one  word  which  will  make  me  rich, 

It  will  make  me  rich — speak  ! 
FlAM.  But  one  word  ? 

Boc.  But  one  word ! 

FiAM.  But  one  word  ? 

Boc.  But  one  word ! 

FiAM  What  a  wondrous  power  it  has  I 

Wonderful !     Wonderful ! 
Boc.  But  one — one  word  ! 

It  is  wonderful !     Wonderful ! 
FlAM,  What  wondrous  power  it  has  1 

Boc.  Speak — only  speak  ! 

FiAM.         Just  one  word  ? 
Boc.  Just  one  word ! 

FiAM.         Just  one  word  !     It  will  make  him  very  rich  I 

Just  one  word  !     Just  one  word  ! 

It  will  make  the  beggar  rich  ! 

I'll  have  pity  upon  him. 

And  speak  just  one  word  !     I'll  have  pity,  &C. 
Boc.  How  wonderful !     How  wonderful ! 

A  simple  word  will  make  the  beggar  rich ! 
Oh,  rich  ! 
FiAM.  What  shall  I  say  to  you  a  stranger  ? 

Do  you  want  a  word  from  me  ? 


27 


Boc  Oh,  yes,  but  a  smile  ! 

Your  smile  to  me  is  sunshine  ! 

'Twill  make  the  l)ego;ar's  heart  rejoice, 

Now  he  has  heard,"with  greatest  joy,  your  voice  ; 

Give  me  sweet  pleasure,  sweet  pleasure  Elysian  ? 
FlAM.  Should  I  smile  upon  you,  then. 

Would  you  not  crave  my  smiles  again  ? 
Would  you  not  ? 
Boc.  One  sweet,  sweet  smile, 

Pray  now,  O  gentle  lady  ! 

For  'twill  all  my  cares  beguile  ! 
FiAM.  One  smile  ?     One  smile  ? 

Boc.  Oh,  just  one  sweet,  angelic  smile  ! 

FiAM.  One  smile?     One  smile? 

Boc.  I  only  ask  you  for  one  smile  ! 

FlAM.  But  just  one  smile  ? 

Boc.  For  but  one  smile  ! 

F"iAM.  Give  you  a  smile  ? 

Boc.  I  only  ask  one  smile  !    I  only  ask  one  smile  I 

Both.  Just  one  smile  !    Just  one  smile  ? 

There  is  magic  in  a  smile ! 
Wonderful !     Wonderful ! 

1  She  1  ^^'^  ^"^'^^  "P°"  ]  me^  [  ^^^^  '  Onlyonc«l 
Only  this ! 

J  Sh    I  ^'^'  S^^^  *^^^  beggar  bliss  ! 
FlAM.  Just  one  smile  !     Just  one  smile  ! 

I  will  give  him  one  smile; 

For  he  says  it  will  his  heart  beguile ! 
Boc.  Just  one  smile  !     Oh  !  for  it  will  my  heart  beguil& 

FlAM.  Now,  I've  smiled  !     So,  farewell! 

Boc.  Do  not  go  ! 

FiAM.  Well,  what  now? 

Boc.  Now  your  hand  ! 

FiAM.     IDraivs  back  haughtily !\ 

No  !  oh,  no  !  '  Not  to  a  beggar ! 

You're  a  bold  beggar  !     Be  silent — do ! 
Boc.  Then,  farewell ;  so  farewell ! 

But  take  my  thanks  before  you  go  1 

Farewell,  sweet  one  !  Do  not  leave  me  so  ! 
FiAM.  Yes,  farewell ! 

Boc.  Oh,  then,  farewell ! 

FiAM.  So,  farewell !     I'll  forgive  your  boldness,  sir! 

So,  farewell !   Yes,  farewell ! 

Fare  thee  well !     We  must  say  farewell !   So,  farewell  I 
Boc.  If  you  must  go  away, 

Then  I  must  say  farewell !  farewell ! 

We  part  to  meet  again ! 

Now  we  must  part ;  yes,  we  must  say  farewell ! 

{Enter  Leonetto      Exit  Fiametta.] 


28 

Lf.on.     Boccaccio  ? 

Boc      What  do  you  wish  ? 

Leon.     You  are  in  a  strange  disguise.     What  for  ? 

Boc.     Getting  more  materials  for  my  novels. 

Leon  Keep  your  disguise,  Boccaccio  !  Florence  is  in  a  state  of  liig! 
excitem.ent.  The  men  of  the  city  have  discovered  their  own  ])or 
traits  in  the  characters  of  your  novels.  They  are  all  about  to 
revenge  themselves  on  you.     [Eftier  Students.] 

Students.     They  come  like  bees! 

Boc.    Aha ! 

Students.     Lo,  another  mob  ! 

Leon.     We  will  cut  our  way  through  them  ! 

Stuuents.     Yes;  let  us  cut  our  way  ! 

Boc.     No,  friends  !     No  blood!     Let  us  all  into  Scalza's  house  1 

Leon.     Do  not  let  Beatriece  know  who  you  are  I 

Boc.     This  mask  will  disguise  me  !     Quickly  friends,  follow  me  .' 

[A//  exit  into  Scalza's  house.'\ 

Finale. 

\Enter  Lotter.,  Lamb.,  Scalza,  and  other  men  of  the  cify, 
in  search  of  BocCACClO.] 

Lotter.,  Lamb.,  >  Down  with  Boccaccio  ! 
SCALZA  &  Cho.  )      The  scamp,  where  is  he.'' 
If  we  but  find  him. 
Oh,  then  he  shall  see  ! 
Down,  with  scoundrel !     Down  with  him ! 
We  will  stand  it  no  longer  ! 
We'll  murder  the  scamp  ! 

Yes,  down  with  Boccaccio  ! 
The  scamp,  where  is  he .''  &c. 
Oh,  the  scamp  !     We'll' kill  the  scamp  ! 
We'll  make  way  with  him,  to  be  sure ! 
Lotter.        The  mayor  said,  when  I  complained 

To  him,  "  You  are  a  lout !  " 
Scalza  &  Cho.     Yes,  we  know  you  are  ! 
Lamb.  And  when  1  went  to  him  about 

This  fuss,  he  said  "  Get  out !  " 
Scalza  &  Cho.     And  it  served  you  right ! 
Lotter.         He  said  I  was  a  boor  ! 
Scalza  &  Cho.     He's  just  found  it  out! 
Lamb.  And  he  showed  me  to  the  door  ! 

Scalza  &  Cho.    Just  what  wc  should  have  done ! 
Lamb.  Our  revenge  it  will  now  come  ! 

All.  We  rebel !     Shall  we  thus  insulted  be? 

Lamb.  We  will  have  satisfaction  I 

All.  Yes,  we  will ! 


29 

LoTTER.  &  Lamb.  We'll  not  thus  insulted  be ! 

Then,  come  on ! 
ScALZA  &  Cho.     Yes,  come  on  ! 
LoTTER.  &  Lamb.  Now,  come  on  !     We  rebel ! 

All.  Yes  !     Now,  men  of  Florence,  we  must  strike  the  blow  ! 

We  have  been  insulted  too  long !     That  is  so ! 

That  is  true  ;  yes,  yes,  that  is  true  ! 

Let  us  seek  for  him  !     Where  is  he  .'' 

Where  has  he  gone  ?     Where  is  he  now  ? 
LoTTER.  &  Lamb.     We  will  not  insulted  be  I 
All.  No,  no,  no  !      Were  is  he  ? 

We  are  not  cowards  ;  men  are  we  ! 

We  will  have  our  revenge! 

Now  for  revolution ! 

We  rebel  1     We  rebel !     Ha! 

{Enter  Students  and  Scalza.) 

TOFAN.  &  Chichibio.     Here,  barber,  here  ! 

Scalza.  Well .? 

ToFAN.  &  Chich.     Quick  !     Go  and  get  your  shears, 

Cut  our  hair  now,  quickly  ! 
Scalza.  I  can't;  I  go  to  the  mayors! 

ToFAN.  &  Chich.  Come  right  here  ! 
GuiDO  &  CiSTL  Come,  your  razor ! 
Scalza.  No  1 

GuiDO  &  CiSTL       Come,  we  want  our  hair  cut  now  in  English  style  I 
Scalza.  I  must  'tend  to  politics  ! 

Four  Students.     Come,  we  want  you,  come  here,  quick ! 
Scalza.  Leave  me,  fellows  !     Get  you  gone  ! 

Four  Students.        Quick !     Shave  us ! 

{Enter  Beatrice. — Enter  Leonetto.) 

Bea.  Don't  neglect  your  work, 

Hear  your  customers ! 
Leon.  Master  Scalza ! 

Scalza.  What  ? 

Bea.  Serve  them !     Serve  them  ! 

Leon.  Master  Scalza,  will  you  not  leave  that  mob  alone  ? 

Scalza.  First,  ray  duty  to  my  country ! 

Bea,  About  your  business  ! 

Serve  your  customers ! 
Leon.  Have  more  sense  ! 

Federico,  Giotto,  Pinieri.     Come,  your  razor  ! 
Scalza.  Ha ! 

Leon.  Come,  you  barber,  do  not  keep  us  here  all  night. 

Bea.  Serve  them,  father  ! 

Scalza.  I  cannot  shave  without  a  light ! 

Bea.  What  do  you  mean  .'' 

Eight  Students.     Say,  are  we  all  that  barber's  fools  ? 
Scalza.  I  go  in  for  revolution ! 

Bea.  Don't  leave  your  shop ! 

Fed.,  Gio.,  Fin.     Say,  are  we  all  that  barber's  fools  ? 


30 

SCALZA.  Surely,  'tis  our  best  solution ! 

Fed.,  Gio.,  Pin.         We're  his  patrons  ! 
SCALZA.  Urge  me  no  more  in  such  a  tone  ! 

Fed.,  Gio.,  Pin.    Destroy  his  shop  ! 

Break  up  his  chairs  and  tables ! 
He'll  need  them  not.  he's  going  now  ! 
SCALZA.  Hark  !     Hear  the  mob  ! 

This  way  they  come  ! 
'Tis  rebellion  beginning — mad! 
LOTTER.,  Lamb.,    )    In  this  hot  chase, 

Chorus  of  Men.  >  Don't  let  that  scoundrel  novelist  es  cape  us  • 
\Outside)         >  Enter  Pietro. 

PiETRO.  Be  careful,  gentlemen. 

And  not  make  a  mistake ! 
BOCCACCIO.  >      ^j^^j  jg  ^j^^^  p    ^j^^j  trouble  ? 
LEONETTO.  >■      ^j^^j  jg  ^j^^^  p     i^i^ere's  trouble ! 
Students.  ) 
ScALZA.  What  is  that,  &c.     {Exit  all.) 

(Enter  'Pib.TKO,  followed  by  the  principals,  except  FlAMETTA,  F»A 
TELLi  &  ScALZA,  and  then  by  full  Chorus^ 

LOTTER.,  Lamb.,    >      Hold  him,  and  beat  him! 
Chorus  of  Men.  \     Now  we've  found  him 
Do  not  let  him  go! 
PlETRO.        You're  wrong  '(     I  told  you  so  ; 

I  am  not  Boccaccio  ! 
Bea.,       I  ^^Q  jg  j^  p     ^j^Q  ig  j^g  p 
LEON.       >■  ^j^Q  jg  j^  p     vv^hat's  all  this  ? 

SCALZA.  ) 

LOTTER.,  Lamb.,  \  ^  ,       j^  ^g,^^  caught  at  last  the  tellow. 
Cho.  OF  Men       j 
PiETRO.  Your'  wrong ! 

Lotter.,  Lamb.,  7  ^  ,jj  ^^^^  ^     ,^^^^^  ^^^  yellow. 
Cho.  of  Men.      \  ^ 

Pietro.  You're  wrong ! 

Lotter.,  Lamb.,  )  We'll  beat  him  !     We'll  kill  him! 
Cho.  of  Men.      |  Yes,  put  him  to  death ! 
Pietro.  No  !  No  !     'Tis  a  mistake  I 

Boc,  Leon.,    >  Ha!     The  stranger!    Yes!     Yes! 
Student.         \  For  Boccaccio  they  take  him  ! 
They've  made  a  great  mistake  ! 

What  a  mistake  ! 
The  dunces  make  a  great  mistake  ! 

Boccaccio  'tis  not ! 
Lotter.,  Lamb.,  (  Take  that !  and  that ! 
Cho.  of  Men.      (  Now  take  that  for  your  for  your  "  Spinelloccio  1 

And  that  now  take  for  "  Zeppa  " 

And  your  other  books  of  lies  ! 
Pietro.  I  say  you're  wrong  and  you  must  let  me  go ; 

I'm  not,  I  say  I'm  not  Boccaccio! 
So  hear  me ! 


31 

LOTTER.,  Lamb.,  )  ^  ,  .  , 
Chorus  of  Men.  y  ^^'^^  ^"^^• 
PiETRO.  Now,  hear  me  ! 

LoTTER.,  Lamb.    )  ^  ^^^^  furthur  blows 

Chorus  of  Men.  ) 

PiETRO.  Don't  abuse  me  ! 

LoTTER.,  Lamb.,    )  In  honor  of  your  "  Buffolmaceo,"  "  Calandrin," 

Chorus  of  Men.  |  "  Torello,  "  Carisendi,"  "  Saladin," 

PiETRO.  You'll  be  sorry  men  of  Florence ! 

Know  that  you  are  my  abhorrence ! 
LoTTER.,  Lamb.,    )  ,p  ,      ,      , 
Chorus  OF  Men.  I  ^aketnat. 

PiETRO.  Stand  aside  I 

Lotter.,  Lamb.,  }  .  ,  ,  , 
Chorus  of  Men.  {  ^"^^  ^^^^  * 
PiETRO.  Stand  aside ! 

LOTTER.,  Lamb.,    >  And  that !  take  that ! 
Chorus  of  Men.  |  Take  that  now,  on  account, 

Till  we  can  render  full  amount  I 
Bea.  &  Women.      Come  here  !     Come  here ! 

B0C.LE0N.)g^  j^j^j^^^^j 

Student.    ) 

PiETRO.  This  is  too  much  ! 

Bea.  &  Women.     They  have  a  a  prisoner ! 
And  he  is  a  stranger  ! 

^'^^,-^}'^-^'''\  Beware!     Take  care ! 

Student.     ^ 

PiETRO.  I  must  refuse  the  honor  paid ! 

cSoIusoF  MEN.  {  Y°-'ll  -°^  -'•'^^  -^"-^  ^y'-S  tales  ! 
Bea.  &  Women.      A  stranger,  and  he  is  in  great  danger  I 

S?Sde^tT''  \  "^"^  '^^^^  '^P^"^  ^^''^  "^""'^  ■ 
PiBTRO.  1  must  decline  ;  I'm  not  the  man  ! 

LoTTER.  &  Lamb.         Remember  what  we  say  to  you  I 
Take  that,  ere  we  part  ! 
Enter  Scalza. 

Scalza.  Hold!     Hold!    Now,  be  silent  alL  I  say  I 

Stop,  and  I'll  tell  you  the  reason! 
You  are  guilty  of  high  treason !      ^ 
This  man  is  Palermo's  Prince ! 

f  J^-'^^OM,f  •  I  He  the  Prince  !    Is't  so  ? 
and  Chorus.   \ 

Scalza.  He  is ! 

Bea.,  Women,  )  ^    ^    ^.       ,    j  ,        , 

and  Chorus.   \  "^  *"^  ^^^^^^  •    ^^^^^^ 

Scalza.  'Tis  true ! 

{A  II  remove  hats  and  bow  to  Pietro.) 
PiETRO.  I  am  a  f  nnce,  as  now  you  know ; 

For  Scalza,  there,  has  told  you  sol 

Revealed  is  my  incognito, 

And  I  am  not  Boccaccio  ! 
BsA.  H*  is  a  Prin<»el 


Boc. 

Is  A. 
LOTTER. 

Leon. 

Bea. 

Boc. 

LOTTER. 
ISA. 

Leon. 
Cho. 
Bea. 
Boc. 

LOTTER. 
ISA. 

Leon. 
Bea. 

Boc. 


ISA. 


Lotter. 


Leon. 

Cho. 

Lotter. 

Leon. 

SCALZA. 

Lamb. 
Cho. 
Bea.     ) 
Boc.     f- 

ISA,  ) 
Pietro. 
Loiter. 

Leon. 

SCALZA. 

Lamb. 
Caa 


He  is  a  Princ«  i 

Palermo's  Prince  I 

Palermo's  Prince  ? 

Incognito,  and  yet  he  is  a  gentle  Prince! 
He  is  a  Prince  !     See  !   he  is  not  Boccaccio  ! 
'Tis  not  Boccaccio  !  I  mio[ht  have  told  them  so ! 


Incognito  was  he? 
Incognito  was  he.'' 


What  a  mistake  ! 

It  was  such  a  mistake  ! 
There's  only  one  Boccaccio  ! 

It  was  a  Prince  incognito, 


Yes,  he  is  a  Prince  ! 

Yes !     Prince  ! 

This  man  is  not  Boccaccio  ! 

And  it  was  not  Boccaccio  ! 

Yes ;  he  is  a  prince  ! 

Oh,  if  they  the  Prince  had  killed, 

How  all  the  nations  would  have  thrilled! 

Now,  by  their  temper,  I  see  what  fate  awaits  mtf 

When  I  am  within  their  power  ! 

They  are  all  mad  this  hour  ! 

What  a  dreadful  error ! 

I  am  plunged  in  terror  ! 

What  are  they  to  do  ? 

'Twas  a  mistake  I     Of  that,  no  doubt ! 

'Twas  meant  for  that  mean  scribbler! 

Wait  till  we  catch  Boccaccio  I 

They  all  made  a  great  mistake — 

Mistake  almost  fatal,  indeed  ! 

He's  a  Prince!     A  Prince  !     He's  a  Prince  1 


.  Will  he  forgive  I  j"^«^^  I  all? 

He  is  a  Prince ! 

Well  I  well ! 

For  what     |  JJiey'le  } '^°''^ '    WiU  he  forgive, 


Bea.     > 

Boc.     >■  Palermo's  Prince ! 

ISA.        ) 

PiETRO.        Well,  well ! 

LoTTER.,  Leon.  > 

ScALZA.  Lamb.  V  And  let    (us      )  Hv«? 

AND  Chorus.     )  ( them  ^ 

Bea.   ) 

Boc.    >-         Alas  I 

"SA.      ) 

^OTTER.,  Leon.  ^ 

oCALZA.  Lamb.  >■  Let  (us      \  all  live  I 

AND  Chorus.     )         ( them  ) 

Pietro,  I  am  lame  ! 

Bea.  He's  hurt ! 

]^^n  \  He's  hurt!    Yes! 

boc.  ) 

LoTTER.,  Leon.  ^ 

ScALZA.  Lamb.  >•  Will  he  o'erlook  this  outrage  dreadful? 

and  Chorus.     ) 

Pietro.  I'm  sore! 

Bea,  Will  he  forgive  the  blows  he  has  received? 

r>    ■     [■  Will  he  forgive  them  those  cruel  blows  ? 

Pietro.  My  arms  are  black  and  blue  ! 

Lotter.,  Leon.  "> 

Scalza,  La.mb.  >-  We  cannot  tell ! 

\ND  Chorus.     ) 

Ahh.  You  are  a  Prince  ! 

Pietro.  I  am ! 

Boc.  Great  Prince,  forgive  them !    Graciously  forgiv«  I 

Palermo's  Prince  ! 

)  (us,      ) 

>•  Great  Prince  forgive   J  them,  J' graciously  forgive  ! 

Oh,  yes ! 

>  Forgive  J"  us      | 
)  (them) 


ISA. 

Lotter  ,  Leon.  )  _  j  us, 

Scalza.  Lamb. 

AND  Chorus. 

PiiiTko.  Oh,  yes! 

Lotter.,  Leon.  ^  [madel 

Scalza.  Lamb.  V  Forgive  J"  us      \  for  the  great  mistake   (we've    \ 

AND  Chorus.     )  |  them )  }  they've  | 

Pietro.  Oh,  yes!     I  will  forgive! 

Bea.  Oh,  yes,  yes  !    He's  willing  to  forgive  them ! 

Yes  !  they  are  all  forgiv'n !    Noble  Prince! 
Boc.  a.   !    He  will  forgive  them  ! 

They  are  forgiven  !  Noble  Prince  ! 
IsA.  I  am  sure  that  hsrwill  forgive  them  ! 

They  are  ioigiven  !     Noble  Prince! 
Lotter.,  Leon.  ^ 
Scalza.  Lamb.  V  (  we     >  are  foro:iven  1 


AND  Chorus. 

Pietro.  I'll  forgive  J 


[■  (  we      >  ; 
)  i  they  ; 


Bea.  Palermo's  Prince  !     He  does  forgive? 

The  people  now  are  all  forgiven  ! 
All.  Noble  Prince  !  Noble  Prince  !  We're  forgiven  ! 

LoTTER.,  Leon  ) 

ScALZA.  Lamb.  >•  Sir,  you  forgive ! 
AND  Chorus.    ) 
PiETRO.  I  graciously  forgive  ! 

Enter  Fratellt. 

Fra.  New  novels,  come  buy! 

Here's  the  latest  novels ! 
Will  you  not  buy? 
Lotter.  {Recit)  Boccaccio's  books  !     Tis  shameful! 

He  shall  not  sell  those  books  ! 
All.  Here  he  comes  with  his  books  ! 

Lotter.  {Recti.)  You  will  help  me  destroy  them ! 

I  know  that  by  your  looks  ! 
Bea.,  Isa.,  Boc.        I 

Women.  Students.  I  They'll  burn  the  new  novels. 
Lamb.     Scalza.         [  Burn  up  his  new  novels  ! 
Leon,  Pietro.  J   They'll  burn  the  new  novels  ! 

Lotter.  {Recit.)  Go,  therefore,  and  the  bookseller  bring ! 
Bea.,  Isa.,  Boc.         ^ 

Women,  Students.   I   His  thrilling  books  they  will  now  confiscate  ! 
Lamb.  Scalza.  j   His  dreadful  books  we  will  now  confiscate! 

Leon.,  Pietro.  J   His  thrilling  books  they  will  now  confiscate  ! 

Lotter.  {Recit.)      We'll  burn  his  lying  stories  in  our  hate  ! 
Bea.,  Isa.,  Boc.         1 

Women,  Students.  I  His  stories  now  will  all  be  burned  in  hate. 
Lamb  ,  Scalza.  |  We'll  burn  his  lying  stories  in  our  hate! 

Leon,  Pietro.  J  His  stories  now  will  be  burned  in  hate! 

Fra.  These  are  my  property  ;  I  pay  my  tax. 

Be  careful,  now,  and  use  no  violence ; 

For  I  am  not  guilty  of  an  offence ! 

{The  bookseller's  cart  is  taken  away  from  him,  and  its  contents 

piled  up  in  the  square) 

W^'^ENri^o'ENTS.  \  «-■■  *- '   They  rage  I 

Lotter.  Hold  him !    Hold  him ! 

Pietro.  }  ^^^^  ^^^"^  '  '^^'^^  ""^^e  ! 

All.  Hold !  and  leave  the  novel=.  t'^  their  fate  ! 

{Exit  Fratelli  hustled  by  the  crowd.) 

Lotter.  Quickly  come,  before  we  lose  our  ire, 

Bea.,  Isa.,  Boc,        }  p.^ipn^p  i 

Women,  Students.  ;  ^  -"ence  . 

Lotter.        Come  on ! 

^S.™>a.-ce, 


39 


Bea.,  Isa.,  Boc, 

Women,  Students. 
LoTTER.,  Leon,  and 

PlETRO. 


Before   V  tbey  ?  lose 
I  we  S 


their  >  h:«, 
our  ) 


[fir«J 


I  W  ^'U    [^^^  some  beggar  go  and  light  the 


Boc. 


LOTTER. 

Lamb. 

SCALZA. 


ER.^ 

ZA.  ) 

".EOl 

I  AN 
<TS, 

:1 


They  may  burn  up  all  my  novels, 

Yet,  in  palaces  and  hovels, 

My  truths  remain — 

Purified,  they  rise  again  ! 

Thus  do  we  burn  them ! 

Thus  do  all  good  people  spurn  them  ! 

Thus  we  shall  punish  the  author  by  and  by, 

Soon  as  we  shall  find  him — yes  ! 

He  shall  not  write  lies ! 

He  shall  perish,  as  his  new  books  do,  in  flaoietl 

See  now  the  people ; 
What  a  mighty  bother ! 


Let  the  bad  novels  bum  ! 


Let  the  bad  novels  bum  I 


Boc,  Leon.^ 

PlETRO  AND  > 

Students.    ) 

LOTTER, 

Lamb 

SCALZA 

Boc.  Leon. 

PlETRO  AND  y  Can  they  imagine  he  will  write  no  other? 

Students. 

Lotter 

Lamb 

SCALZA 

Boc,  Leon.  ')  Tho'  books  may  burn, 
I'lEi  RO  and  >  Yet  the  truth  lives  fore'er; 
Students.    )  The  truth  can  never  burn ! 
Lotter.       ) 
Lamb,  and  i-  Thus  ht  the  vile  books  burn  I 

SCALZA.        ) 

Boc,  Leon., 
PlETRO  and 
Students. 
Chorus. 


All. 

Boc,  Leon., 

PlETRO  AND 

Students. 


Lotter. 
Lamb. 

SCALZA. 

Chorus. 


The  truth  can  never  burn, 
The  truth  can  never  burn ! 
It  rises  purified  from  fires  ! 
Thus  let  the  vile  books  burn ! 

Let  them  burn ! 
Nevermore  will  they  annoy  our  sight  I 

Now  join  your  voices. 

While  every  heart  rejoices  ! 
That  never  perished  the  works  of  Boccacckk 
We'll  find  it  no  warning. 
He  now  will  write  some  more ! 

Truth  evermore ! 
Surely,  he  will  write  some  more ! 
That  thus  have  perished  the  works  of  Boccacci*! 
He'll  find  it  a  warning, 
He  now  shall  write  no  more  ! 
Surely,  he  now  will  write  no  morei 

Let  the  flames  consume  I 

Let  that  be  their  doom! 

He  who  does  ef  scandals  dare  to  writ«, 


Chorus.  Shall  perish  this  night — to  ashes  turn; 

Let  flames  consume  !  'tis  his  aoom  ! 
See  the  flames  now  rising  ! 
All.  Now  let  them  burn  ! 

Let  all  the  paper  burn, 
And  into  ashes  now  return, 

The  poet's  name,  and  the  poet's        ,       ' 

Bea  ,  ISA.,  Boc.     ')  And  tho'  books  may  burn, 

Leon.  Students.  >■  To  ashes  turn, 

AND  Women.         )      Truth  can  never  die  !     No  I 

Chorus.  See,  now  they  perish,  and  to  ashes  turns 

All  the  author's  fame  !     Yes  ! 
All.  Truth,  the  mighty  truth,  shall  rise  at  last ; 

'Tis  purified  by  every  blast ! 


ACT  IL 

Scene. — T/ie  houses  and  gardens  of  Lotteringhi  and  Lambertuc- 

CIO.  The  stage  is  divided  by  a  high  wall,  separating  the  two 
estates.  In  fro7it  of  Lotteringhi's  house  are  barrels  and  the 
tools  of  a  cooper's  shop.  Infrofit  of  Lambertuccio's  house  is  an 
olive  tree.  At  the  rise  of  the  curtain,  the  stage  is  dark,  but  grad 
gradually  becomes  more  light. 

{Enter  Boccaccio,  Leonetto,  Pietro  and  Students.] 
Students'  Song. — Boccaccio,  Pietro,  Leonetto  &  Students. 

Students.  For  pleasure,  for  pleasure, 

We  gather  here  to-day! 
For  pleasure,  for  pleasure, 
We  gather  here  to-day  ! 
In  drinking  wine  'tis  jolly, 
If  three  join  in  our  folly — 
We  never  drink  alone  ! 
Always  in  twos,  or  in  threes,  or  in  fours, 
Or  in  fives ;  yes,  but  never  alone  ! 
Always,  in  twos,  &c. 
Boccaccio.  I  love  a  fair  maiden, 

Fiametta  is  her  name  ; 
With  graces  she's  laden  ; 

From  Edenland  she  came  ! 
We  have  good  friends  in  plenty, 
Companions  by  the  twenty, 
We  seldom  are  alone. 

Always  in  twos  or  in  threes,  &c. 

PiKTRO.  A  lark  now  I'm  living, 

Among  these  students  gay, 
My  father  deceiving — 
Yet  I  can't  go  away ! 


ST 


PlETRO.  The  time  so  quickly  going, 

The  days  so  swiftly  flowing — 
Days  do  not  pass  alone  ! 

Always  in  twos  or  in  threes,  8cc 

Leonetto.  The  time  don't  regret,  for 

To  us  its  only  lent ; 
Ah  !  if  'twere  our  own  we 
Would  see  it  better  spent ! 
But  there's  one  consolation, 
The  people  through  the  nation 
Are  wasting  time  the  same ! 

Always  in  twos  or  in  threes,  &r- 

All.  For  pleasure,  for  pleasure 

We  gather  here  to-day ; 
In  drinking  wine  'tis  jolly. 
If  three  join  in  our  folly, 
We  never  drink  alone  ! 

Always  in  twos  or  in  three;.^  &c. 

{A*  the  close  of  song.  Students  retire  to  cooper's  yard.     Boc- 
caccio stands  before  Fiametta's  window j  Leonett<"  be- 
fore Peronella's,  and  Pietro  before  I'^abella.) 

Boc.  {To  Prince)     This  is  the  place,  your  highness. 

Pietro,     Stay;  no  "highness,"  if  you  please      I  am  a  student  here. 

Remember  !      Here  I  am  Alessandro. 
Boc.     Well,  then,  dear  Alessandro,  here  lives  Isabella,  the  beautiful 

niece  of  the  cooper. 
Pietro.     She  shall  be  the  heroine  of  my  first  romance  ! 
Boc.     Yonder  lives  my  own  love,  Fiametta.     {To  Leonetto.)     Your 

sweetheart,  Leonetto,  also  dwells  there. 
Leon.     That  old  maid  !     Thanks.     Well,  I  will  flirt  with  her  a  little, 

just  for  fun. 
Boc.     Let  us  serenade  them ! 

Serenade.— BoecACCio,  Leonetto  &  Pietro. 

Boc.  {Before  Fiametta's  wi?idow. — FiA.  appears  at  window,) 
I'd  be  a  star,  in  heaven's  ether  shining  ; 
I'd  gaze  on  thee,  and  be  thy  tho'ts  divining! 

Pietro.  {Before  Isabella's  wzw^i^'zy. — Isa.  appears  at  window.) 
I'd  be  a  glove,  thy  fair  white  hand  caressing, 
A  little  glove,  thy  taper  fingers  pressing  ! 

Leon.  {Before  Peronella's  wz«^/<?2£/.— Peron.  appears  at  window.' 
I  cast  my  eyes  up  to  thy  window  gladly ; 
But  to  make  love  to  thee  I  should  feel  sadly. 
Oh,  hear ! 


Boc.       ) 

PlETRO.  ) 

Leon 
Boc.       ) 

PlETRO.  ^ 

Boc. 

PlETRO, 

Leon. 
Boc.       > 

PlETRO.  C 


All. 
Boc. 

Boc. 

PlETRO. 

Boc. 

PlETRO. 

Leon. 
Boc. 

PlETRO. 

All. 


Oh,  hear  our  prayer  now  I 

Oh,  hear! 

Oh,  hear  our  prayer  now ! 

As  we  so  humbly  bow ! 

Hear  us  now ! 

Oh,  hear  now  our  prayer  now  I 

As  we  so  humbly,  humbly  bow  f 

Oh,  hear  our  prayer  now. 

As  we  so  humbly  bow  ! 

Pray,  hear  our  supplication  now  f 

Oh,  let  us  not  pray  in  vain  ; 

Love,  once  lost,  comes  not  again! 

Let  us  not,  then,  pray  in  vain  ! 

Love,  once  lost,  comes  not  again! 

List!     We  are  interceding  ; 

We  are  pleading  ! 

Let  us  not  pray  in  vain,  &c. 

Oh,  hear  our  prayer  now! 

As  we  so  humbly  bow  ! 

Hear  our  prayer  now ! 

Oh,  hear  our  prayer,  &c. 

Oh,  hear  our  supplication  now ! 

Now  we  pray  to  the"  on  bended  kne«l 
Yes,  on  bended  knee  ' 


(LoTTERlNGHi's  voi'ce  outside.) 
LOTTER.  {Spoken.)    Get  up ! 
FiAM.     My  father ! 
Peron.     'Tis  brother! 
Is  A.     My  husband  ! 

(FiAMETTA,  Peronella,  a«^  ISABELLA  leaie  ivtndows.) 

Boc.     We  must  be  off!     Follow  me!     {Exit  Boc.  T.eon.,  Pietro 

and  Students. 

(Enter  Lotter.,  Fresco  <z«^  Journeymen.) 
Lotter.  {To  joiirfieymen.)     Get  up,  you  lazy  fellows  ! 
ISA.     {Reappears  at  window.     To  Lotter — quarrelling.)     It's  your 

fault ! 
Fresco.     Donna  Isabella! 
Is  A.  {To  Lotter.)    Go  on  with  your  work. 
Fresco.  {To  Lotter.)     We  must  silence  her  with  our  remedy. 
Lotter.  {To  Fresco.)    Ah,  yes  ;  the  song  ! 
ISA.  {At  window,  still  quarrellini^.)     Go  to  woik!     You  don't  care 

for  empty  barrels.     You  like/////  ones  ! 
Lotter.    Now.  for  my  battle  song  ! 


99 

Song  and  Chorus. — I, otter.  &  Journeymen. 

LOTTER.  {^Near  barrel,  with  hammer  in  hand.) 

Each  day  my  wife  is  scolding  me — 
'Tis  her  delii^jht; 

To  stop  her  voice  from  ringing, 

I  have  to  try  my  singing, 

And  oft  my  "  tra  la  la  la  " 

Brings  her  to  terms — Hurrah  ! 

Her  nerves  are  so  unsteady, 
That  she  cannot  bear 

To  hear  my  hammer  ringing, 

Nor  yet  my  jovial  singing  ; 

My  merry  "  tra  la  la  " 

Means  victory — Hurrah  ! — Tra,  la,  la,  &c. 
Chorus.  Tra  la  la  la  tra,  ra  la,  &c. 

LoTTER.  But  if  she  still  doth  tease, 

I  can  stop  her  with  ease. 

So,  donning  this  apparel, 

I  beat  upon  my  barrel! 

'Tis  thus  I  pound,  and  pound,  and  pound, 

'Till  she  cannot  be  found  ! 

If  questions  she  doth  ask, 

I  beat  upon  my  my  cask, 

And  thus  I  drown  her  clamor 

By  pounding  with  my  hammer! 

And  thus  I  stop  her  tongue,  her  tongue. 

When  I  my  song  have  sung  ! 

LoTTER.  &  Journeymen.  [^All  keeping  time  with  hammers  upon  tar 
rels  as  they  sing.) 

Bum-ti  ra-pa-ta,  bum-ti  ra-pa-ta,  &c. 
All.  Therefore,  the  cooper,  of  all  men,  he 

The  happiest  man  can  be  ! 

ISA.     You  drunkards,  I'll  beat  you  !     {Goes  from  window^ 
{Enter  Lamb.) 

Lamb.  What  a  noise !  Lotterhinghi,  I  can't  get  any  sleep.  Yo« 
keep  up  such  a  clatter! 

LoTTER.     Forgive  me,  neighbor  ;  but  I  had  to  beat  off  an  evil  eye. 

Lamb.     An  evil  eye  ?     Where  ? 

Lotter.     She's  gone  now.     More  of  an  evil  tongue  than  an  eye. 

Lamb.  Was  it  black  eye  ?  I  knew  there  would  be  trouble  when  1 
broke  that  tumbler  last  night ! 

LoTTER.  Was  the  glass  empty.?  {Aside.)  I  drank  more  than  you 
did.  By  the  way,  I'm  very  dry.  Let's  go  over  to  the  public 
house.  {To  Journeymen.)  Come,  roll  that  barrel  over  to  the 
public  house.     I  have  sold  it.  {To  Lamb.)     Vou  understand.' 

Lamb.  Yes,  I'll  be  there.  I  must  first  speak  ta  my  sister  about 
gathering  my  olives.     Peronella  ! 


Peron.  (/«  house)    Well  ? 

Lamb.     Has  the  young  man  come  to  help  to  get  in  olives  ? 

Peron.    No  ! 

Lamb.     That  is  strange.     I  must  hat'^e  those  olives  harvested.     An 

interrupted  harvest  brings  bad  luck. 
LOTTER.     Wait  a  moment.     You  are  a  coward,  you  grocer.     Your 

sister  browbeats  you.     You  haven't  as  much  courage  as  your  own 

butter. 
La  MB.  I  am  as  brave  as  you,  Mr.  Rednose  !  (Exit  Lamb,  into  his  house) 
Loiter.     Ha!     ha!  [To  journeymen.)     Come,  boys,  get  the  wagon 

ready.     I  will  go  with  you.    (Exit  Fresco.)    {Exit  Lotter.  and 

Journeymen) 

Chorus  of  Lotter  &  Journeymen  {as  they  exit). 
Tra  la  la  la,  la  la  la  la,  oi  o  ha,  &c. 
{Enter  Boc.) 

Boc.  {Aside.)    May  the  goddess  of  love  prove  propitious  !     Now,  to 

write  those  letters  !     {Exit  Boc.     Enter  Is  A.) 
ISA.     I  knew  he  would  go  and  get  drunk  again!     Where  is  a  stick? 

When  you  come  rolling  home,  like  one  of  your  own  barrels,  I  will 

be  ready  for  you  !     {Enter  Peron.) 
Peron.     Come,  P^iametta,  it  is  so  pleasant  this  morning  that  you  may 

bring  your  work  out  here.     {To  IsA.)  Good  morning.     You  are 

early. 
ISA.     Yes;  I  was  looking  for  a  stick,  as  my  husband  needs  a  warning! 

Isn't  it  a  beautiful  day ! 
Peron.     I  am  afraid  we  shall  have  a  tliunder-shower. 

[Boc.  enters.,  goes  behind  olive  tree,  in  Lambertuccio's  yard,  and 
throws  letters,  wrapped  around  stones,  at  the  feet  of  \s,K.and  Peron.) 

Peron.  &  Is  a.  It  rains  !  {Separately.)  It  is  a  quick  change  of  wea« 
then  It  rains  stones  I  {They  pick  tip  letters.  Enter  Fiametta. 
Boc.  throws  letter  down  at  her  feet) 

FiAM.     What  is  that  ?  {Picks  tip  letter) 

{Exit  Boc,  who  has  been  unseen  by  all) 

Trio. — Fiametta,  Isabella,  Peronella. 

{During  the  singing  of  this  Trio,  Fiametta,  Isabella  and 
Peronella  are  each  reading  letters) 

Fiametta.     ^  I  have  a  welcome  letter  here, 

Isabella  .      >  It  is  from  one  I  hold  most  dear; 

Peronella.  )  I  wish  to  read  it  once  thro'  now, 

If  they  the  privilege  will  allow. 

This  letter  is  from  him  ; 

My  tears  the  sweet,  sweet  words  bedinr! 

Ah  !  my  poor  heart  is  fluttering  so  ! 

How  he  loves  me,  these  lines  will  show  I 


FlAM.  \ 
ISA.  ] 
PERON. 
FlAM.  ) 

ISA.  ; 

Peron. 

FlAM. 
FlAM. 
ISA. 

Peron. 


\.M.  > 


IsA.     ) 

FlAM.  I 
FlAM. 

ISA. 

Peron. 
IsA. 
Peron. 
All. 


FlAM. 

Peron. 

ISA. 

FlAM. 
I.SA. 

Peron. 

FlAM 
ISA. 

Peron 

FlAM 

ISA 

Peron 
All. 


VM.  > 


.} 


FlAM. 
ISA. 

Peron. 

FlAM. 
Is  A. 

Peron 

FlAM 

All. 


.{ 


*1 


Oh,  'tis  charming  !     Oh,  'tis  delightful ! 

Charming ! 

Should  they  know  it — oh,  it  would  be  frigbtfaj  ■ 

Charming! 
He  is  true  to  me  ! 
He  tells  me  that  he  loves  me — 
Oh,  so  dearly,  dearly  loves  me — Ah  I 

He  sends  these  lines  to  me — 

These  lines  to  me — Ah  ! 
He  tells  me  that  he  soon  is  coming! 
Gladly,  sweetly  Hope's  song  I  am  singrnir 
He  is  dear  to  me  ;  he  is  faithfu!  to  me  ' 

Ever  faithful  to  me  ! 
Hope's  song  I'm  singing, 

He  tells  me  he  is  coming! 

He  is  coming !  coming!  coming!  here  too-^ 

My  heart,  fast   beating. 

Tells  time  is  fleeting  to  bring  him  here! 

He'll  soon  appear  to  meet  me  here  ! 

He  will  be  disguised,  and  yet  I  shall  know  hif- 

I'll  be  sure  to  know  him ! 

He  swears  he  will  be  true ! 

Oh,  I  will  flirt,  and  make  my  husband  jeaio"- 

To  pay  him  for  drinking  ! 

When  I  shall  see  him  1 

This  letter  is  so  nice  ! 

His  letter  is  so  nice ! 

This  letter  is  very  nice  ! 

Yes  ;  it  is  so  nice  ! 

It  is  beyond  all  price. 

It  is  so  nice  ! 

It  is  so  nice  !     It  is  so  nice  !     (Each  ktsa-,    v- 

It  is  charming  !     Oh,  it  is  delightful ! 

Should  they  know  it.  Oh,  it  would  be  frighltij.' 

He  is  true  to  me  1 

He  tells  me  that  he  loves  me. 

Oh  !  so  dearly,  dearly  loves  me ! 

Ah !  he  tells  me  here  that  he  soon  is  coming 

Gladly,  sweetly  Hope's  song  I  am  singing  ! 

He  is  coming  ' 
Should  my  husband  be  coming,  coming ! 
Yes  !  he  is  coming,  coming  soon! 
He  is  coming.  He  will  come  to-day !    Oh  ye« 

He  is  coming  to-day  I 

Yes,  to-day.  Ah  ! 

Yes,  he  will  come  to-day ! 
Now  heart,  keep  your  secret  well  I 
Never,  never  tell  it,  never! 


42 

All.     Would  he  were  here! 

FlAM.  {To  ISA.  and  Peron  )     Why  are  you  so  happy  this  morning  ? 

ISA.     You  are  a  mere  child,  and  cannot  understand  it.     Peronella  is 

in  love ! 
FiAM.     And  so  am  I  !     {Exit  Fiam.) 
IsA.  {Aside)     And  I  !     He  said  he  would  come  to-day.     I  mean  to 

flirt  with  him  a  little,  just  to  pay  off  my  drunken  husband  ! 
Peron.  {Aside)     He  tells  me  in  his  letter  that  he  shall  be  here  soon. 
What  joy  !     I  hope  he  will  not  delay.  .  I  hate  to  lose  a  minute  at 
my  time  of  life ! 
IsA.     Why  does  he  linger  ?    {Enter  Leon.) 
Leon.     Sh — ! 
Peron.     Some  one  comes ! 
Lkon.     Hush ! 
Peron.     It  is  he  ! 
Leon.    Are  you  alone? 
Peron.     No — yes  ! 

Leon.     How  fortunate!  (£"«/^r  Pietro.) 
PlETRO.      Sh — ! 
ISA.     'Tis  he! 

PlETRO.     Is  it  Isabella?     Are  we  alone 
Is  A.     We  are  ! 

PlETRO.     Behold  your  slave  ! 
ISA.     Oh,  Prince! 

PlETRO.     Don't  call  me  "  Prince."     I  am  only  the  man  to  my  friends, 
IsA.     I  would  like  a  prince  to  woo  me.     It  is  more  romantic. 
Peron.  {To  Leon.)     Whence  come  you? 
Leon.    From  my  study,  to  offer  you  my  friendship— my  love.  {Aside) 

What  a  humbug  I  am.     {Exit  Leon  and  Peron.) 
PlETRO.  {To  Is  A.)     I  will  ever  be  your  slave  !     {Kneels  at  her  feet) 

ISA.     Rise,  I  pray! 

PlETRO.     I  will  worship  you  as  long  as  the  stars  shine  ! 

ISA.     And  when  they  cease  ? 

PlETRO.     The  light  of  your  eyes  will  do  as  well ! 

\jyx-x^-^.  {Aside)     This  gate's  always  locked.     {To  \%k)     Open  the 
gate ! 

IsA.     Heaven !     Lotteringhi's  voice ! 

PlETRO.     Your  uncle  ? 

[SA.     Get  into  the  barrel ! 

I'lETRO.  {Gets  into  barrel.']     I  am  in!    {Enter  Lotter.] 

ISA.  (r^  Lotter.)    This  is   a   fine  time   to   come   home!     And  the 
worse  for  'iquor  too  ! 

Lotter.     I  am  not  a  bit  drunk.     I've  only  been  talking  with  Lam- 
bertuccio.     Lambertuccio  is  tlie  one  who  is  dnmk ! 


43 


fSA.     Go  away  '     Go  over  to  the  public  house,  and  git  your  journey- 
men, and  set  them  to  work  again.     Don't  you  ever  get  liquor 

enough  ? 
LoTTER.     Oh,  yes;    there   was   liqior   enough,  but  there  were  too 

many  fellows  to  drink  it. 
PiETRO.     I  call  this  acting  a  novel ! 
LoTTER.     I've  sold  that  barrel  to  the  grocer. 
Is  A.     Which  barrel? 

LoTTER.     That  barrel.  {Pointing  to  that  in  which  is  Pietro  ) 
PiETRO.     This  barrel ! 
LoTTER.     He  has  made  me  a  small  deposit  {aside.)  which  I  spent  fui 

wine. 
PiETRO.     I'm  sold !     I  go  with  the  barrel. 
ISA.     How  much  is  the  grocer  to  give  you? 
LoTTER.     Three  pieces  of  gold. 

ISA.     Why  didn't  you  give  it  away  ?     Why,  /  sold  it  for  six  pieces. 
LoTTER.     You  !     To  whom  ? 
ISA.     Tell  the  grocer  he  can't  have  it.     You  are  an   idiot !     Go,  get 

your  men. 
PiETRO.  {Aside.)     Quite  a  stirring  chapter  in  my  novel ! 
LoTTER.     No,  Isabella;  I  must  keep  my  word.    The  barrel  is  sold  to 

the  grocer. 
IsA.     Why  need  you?     I  tell  you  I  have  sold  it  for  double  what  the 

grocer  is  to  pay  you. 
LoTTER.     Is  it  really  true  ?    To  whom? 
ISA.     A  fine  young  man. 
LOTTER.     For  cash  ? 

ISA.     Yes.     (PiETRO  hands  ISA.  money  unseen.) 
LOTTER.     And  the  grocer  wanted  credit !  {Aside.)    Except  the  smaL' 

deposit. 
IsA.     Here  is  the  money. 
LoTTER.     Wait  a  moment.  {Rolls  barrel.) 
PiETRO.     Oh,  my  back  ! 
LOTTER.     What  was  that?     Who  is  this  man  ?  (PiETRO  comes  out  oj 

barrel.) 
PiETRO.     Who  is  the  man,  sir?     I  am  the  man,  sir!     'Tis  I ! 
LoTTER.  (Zi?  ISA.)     Who — is — this — man? 
ISA.     Intoxicated  badly  this  time,  are  you  not?     It  is  the  young  man 

who  bought  the  barrel.     He  got  in  to  examine  it ;  to  see  if  it  is 

perfect,  as  he  wishes  to  take  it  immediately  to  Afghanistan  with 

him. 
PiETRO.  {Aside.)     Delightful !     The  uncle  is  a  dupe.     Another  chap 

ter  in  my  novel  \  {'Jo  Lotter.)     Yes;  that  is  true, 
LoTTER.     I  beg  your  pardon,  sir 


PlETRO.     You  are  forgiven. 

LoTTER.     Does  the  barrel  suit  you  ? 

PlETRO.     Well — well — 1 — 

ISA.     I  heard  you  say  the  seams  wanted  pitching,  tlr. 

PiEi  RO.     Quite  right. 

LOTTER.     I'll  fix  it. 

IsA.     Go  and  pitch  it ! 

PiETRO.  {Aside.)     Pitch  it  into  the  street ! 

LoTTER.     Is  there  any  fire,  Isabella? 

ISA.     No, 

LoTTER.     Get  some  wine  for  the  gentlemen.    The  best.    I'll  light  the 

fire.  {To  PiETRO.)     Honor  us  by  remaining,  signor. 
PlETRO.     Yes ! 
LoTTER.     Come,  Isabella. 
ISA.     What  about  the  grocer  ? 
LoTTER.     I  don't  care  for  that  silly  grocer  !     He's  an  old  cheat !     He 

sells  plaster-of-Paris  fig-paste,  and  he  sands  his  sugar ! 
ISA.  {To  PlETRO.)     Remain  hers,  sir.     {Exit  Lotter.  and  l5A.) 
PlETRO.     I  am  living  a  delightful  romance,  truly  !     Everything  seems 

to  be  real  enough,  certainly.     Her  uncle  nearly  broke  every  bone 

in  my  body,  roUing  me  about  in  that  barrel. 

Song. — Pietro. 

It's  so  nice  to  be  in  love 

When  a  novel's  to  be  written  ; 

"  Love  "  so  neatly  rhymes  with  "dove," 
When  the  story-writer's  smitten. 

He  can  live  his  own  romances, 

And  translate  soft,  tender  glances. 

That  is  what  I'd  like  to  do- 
Weaving  into  pages  ! 
Persons  of  all  kinds  and  stages — yes  I 

For  I  worship  youth  and  beauty. 
They're  the  charm  of  life  to  me  ; 

Yet  I  ne'er  forget  my  duty. 
Nor  a  faithful  prince  to  be  ! 

He  can  paint  his  loved  one's  face; 

In  his  heroine's  fair  features, 
Then  he  easily  can  trace, 

"  Loveliest  of  earthly  creatures ! " 

Living  e'er  a.naid  Hope's  splendor, 

He  can  be  severe  or  tender, 
As  it  is  his  mood  to  woo. 

Weaving  into  pages,  &c. 

{Krii  PiF.TRO  iti/o  Lotteringhi's  house.) 


45 
[Enter  Lamb.,  Vm.x'PV  a,  and  inio  of  her  servant  ^irls.'] 
Lamii.  Come!  Time  is  money!   I  must  gather  my  olives  to-day.  Oh! 
All.     What's  tl-,e  matter } 
Laki;      I  can  see  the  shape  of  a  liay-fork  in  that  tree !     It  points  to 

me  !     A  very  bad  sign.     Now,  Filippa,  gather  the  olives  from  that 

tree  ! 
Filippa.     That  tree.-*     I  will  not! 
Lamb.     Why  not.? 
FiL.     That  tree  is  bewitched ! 
Lamb.     Explain. 
FiL.  Last  night,  when  I  was  sitting  under  that  tree,  something  reached 

down  from  it  and  kissed  me  ! 
Lamb.     Strange  !     Did  it  smell  of  brimstone  ? 
FiL.     No  ;  more  like  cosmetique  ! 
Lamb.     Horrible  !     A  ghost  smelling  of  cosmetique  ! 

\_Enter  Boc,  disgiiised  as  a  simpleton^ 
Girls.    A  ghost ! 
Lamb.     A  ghost?  {Enter  Fiam.) 

FlAM.     'Tis  a  peasant  boy.  {To  Boc.)  What  do  you  want? 
Hoc.    [^Playing  the  sinipleton.     To  Lamb.)     Are  you  Lambertuccio« 

{Aside)  Long,  lank,  crooked  back,  stupid  appearance — yes,  it  is  he 

Lamb.     I  am ! 

Boc      I  was  ordered  to  call  on  you. 

Lamb.    By  whom  ? 

Boc.     Signor  Nautilio ! 

Fiam.  {Aside)     It  is  Jiis  voice  ! 

Lamb.     Do  you  bring  me  any  news  ? 

Boc  Do  not  ask  me  stupid  questions.   Do  you  take  me  for  a  sphinx  ? 

Song. — Boccaccio. 
When  foolish  questions  you  ask  me, 
Of  course,  I  silly  answers  give — Ha  !  ha  !  ha  ! 
So  take  it  not  as  an  offence. 
If  I'm  not  gifted  with  good  sense — Ha  I  ha  !  ha  ! 
Whene'er  I  go  along  the  way, 

I  hang  my  head  for  very  shame  ; 
*•  There  goes  a  simpleton,"  they  say, 

"  But  he,  poor  fellow's  not  to  blame  !  " 

I  know  I'm  but  a  simple  dolt; 

I  laugh  when  nothing  witty's  said — Ha!  ha!  ha! 

But  I  have  some  philosophy — 

I  smile  when  others  frown  on  me — Ha!  ha  !  ba ! 

So,  don't  ask  me  the  news,  I  pray; 

For  I  know  not  what  I  should  say; 

And  you  would  me  a  blockhead  call — 

I  don't  know  what  to  say  at  all ! 


46 

Lamb.     Now,  go  work  quickly  ! 

Boc.     Very  soon.     Who  are  those  ? 

Lamb.     My  servant-girls,  who  are  to  help  me  get  the  olives. 

Boc.     Girls  are  dangerous,  I've  been  told.     I  don't  like  girls  !    Keep 

them  away !  {Looks  at  Fiam — starts.) 
Lamb.    Well,  what  now  ? 
Boc.     That  is  a  saint ! 
Lamb      Fool!     It's  my  daughter. 

Boc.     No  ;  you  are  too  ugly  for  that.     Look  at  that  tree  ! 
Lamb.     Well,  what  of  it?    {\^ki\^.  looks,     '^otc.  kisses  Yixu.  behind 

his  back.) 
Fiam.  ( To  Boc.)    You  are  too  bold ! 
Lamb.  {To  Boc.)     Now,  climb  up  that  tree  quickly. 
Boc.     Well,  if  I  must! 
Lamb.     That  boy's  very  stupid !    (Boc.  clitnbs  tree.    Exit  FiL.  and 

two  other  servants^ 
Boc.     Oh ! 

Lamb.     Well,  what  is  it  now  ? 
Boc.     You  mustn't  kiss  your  daughter  I 
Lamb.     I  kissed  my  daughter  ?     No  such  thing ! 
Boc.     Yes,  I  saw  you,  just  now  !     And  she  kissed  you  too  !     I  shall 

not  stay  a  minute  longer.     [jOovies  down  from  tree.) 
Lamb.     You  scamp !    I  did  not  kiss  Fiametta.    1  will  whip  you  if  you 

if  you  say  I  did  ! 
Boc.     I  saw  you.     I  am  not  blind.     I  tell  the  truth. 
Lamb.    Is  it  true  ? 

Boc.     Climb  the  tree.  It  is  bewitched.  Come,  and  see  for  yourself. 
Lamb.     I  will.     If  the  tree  is  bewitched,  I  will  cut  it  down  ! 
[Lamb,  climbs  into  the  olive  tree] 

Finale  ii. 
Boc.  Auspicious  hour,  so  sweet,  is  here, 

In  Cupid's  bow'r  we  linger  dear! 
FiA.  You  are  too  bold  ! 

Boc.  I  swear  now  love  eternal,  holy  affection  true  I 

FiA.  Stay,  stay ! 

Boc.  I  love — 

FlA.  Oh,  stay ! 

Boc.  I  love  you,  dearest,  only  you  ! 

FlA.  No,  no  !     I  pray  you,  hold  !    (Boc.  embraces  FlA.) 

{Enter  Is  A.,  Pietro  and  Lotter.) 

Lamb.  {On  the  tree) 

It  is  a  miracle  ;  I  see 

This  is  a  real  wonder  tree  ; 

If  'twere  not,  I'd  swear  he  placed 

His  arm  round  Fiametta's  waist. 


47 


IX)TrER.   (To  IsA  ) 


ISA.   {To  LOTTER. 

LOTTER    {To  Is  A.) 

ISA. 

LOTTER. 


Pour  out,  pour  out  the  win«  ! 
For  our  dear  guest  is  thirsty  1 
(To  PlETRO.)    Do  us  the  honor,  please, 
To  take  agla^s  of  wine  ! 
Places  bottle  on  table  ) 
Will  you  go  and  pitch  the  cask  ! 
Me  to  quarrel  do  not  ask. 
Surely,  'tis  not  water-tight! 
I  will  go  and  fix  the  cask  ! 
Tho'  I  know  'tis  vain, 
I'll  creep  into  it  again.     (Crawls  into  Barrel.] 
PlETRO.  ( Tenderly.)  We  are  alone  ;  now,  my  love,  my  own, 

You  are  the  queen  on  my  heart's  throne ! 
ISA.  {Points  to  barrel.)     Beware !     Take  care  ! 
PlETRO.  Nectar  your  wine  is  truly, 

But  sweeter  is  your  smile  t 
ISA.  The  wine — 

PlETRO.  Dearest! 

ISA.  Is  fine; 

PlETRO.  Oh,  may  it  not  my  life  beguile  ? 

ISA.  The  compliment's  not  mine? 

Lamb.  {From  tree.)    Another  pair  of  lovers  see  ! 
LoTTER.  {In  barrel.)  Inside  this  barrel  it  is  night ! 
FlAM.  In  vain  have  I  endeavored 

To  keep  my  love  from  thee; 
Old  bonds  now  severed, 
I  love  thee,  only  thee  ! 
For  now,  at  last  I  truly  know  my  heart, 
And  bid  all  doubts  depart  ! 

It  cannot  be  amiss 
For  me  to  give  thee  one,  just  one  kiss  ! 
BoC  I  long  have  loved  thee,  gentle  one. 

Loved  with  a  sweet  and  pure  devotion  f 
I  love  thee,  and  only  thee  ! 
With  all  the  ardor  of  my  inmost  loving  heart! 
It  cannot  be  amiss — 
Give  me  just  one  kiss  ! 
ISA.  (Aside.)       Tho'  I  dearly  love  my  husband, 

Yet  1  like  to  make  him  jealous; 
Therefore,  I  mildly  flirt :  I  hope  it  is  not  wrong  I 
No,  it  is  not  amiss 
To  give  you  one  kiss  ! 
PlETRO.  Can  I  hope  that  you,  dear  one, 

Will  give  me  a  kiss  ? 
Say  that  you  return  my  love  ! 

That  would,  indeed,  be  greatest  bliss  1 
It  cannot  be  amiss, 
Give  me  just  one  kiss.  {They  kiss.) 
Lamb.  (On  tree.)  It  is  most  curious,  dear  me  ! 

The  view  from  this  enchanted  tree  1 

I  *      *  >  Now,  do  not  go  away ! 


48 


Boc.       )  T        ^      . 

PiETRO  {  I  must  go! 

LoTTER.  {In  barrel)  There  is  no  crevice,  nor  a  seam; 
There  is  no  seam — 
No;  I  cannot  get  a  gleam! 
PiETRO.  The  barrel  must  be  water-tight! 

ISA.  {To  PiETRO.)       I  pray  that  you  will  look  again  \ 
LoTTER.  (/»  barrel,   It  is  just  as  dark  as  ni^;ht; 
There  is  not  a  ray  of  light ! 
[Enter  'Lko'hy.tto,  followed  by  Peronella.] 
Peron.  {Takes  Leon's  ar?n.) 

Do  not  go  I 
I'll  no  longer  stay! 
Do  not  go  away  from  me  ! 
I  must  go  away ! 
Do  not  thus  away  from  me  now  hasten  so  ! 

I'll  no  longer  stay  ! 
I  cannot  see,  my  friend,  why  you  thus  should  go  J 

'Tis  duty's  sway ! 
I'll  not  believe  ! 

I  must  obey  ! 
Do  not  deceive ! 
Lamb.  {On  tree.)  My  sister  !  I  begin  to  fear 

I'm  losing  fast  my  senses  here  ! 
Do  not  go  !     Stay  you  here  I 
In  vain  I  would  my  love  restrain;' 
Ah,  it  is,  indeed,  in  vain! 

Vain  my  endeavor ! 
Love  will  e'er  its  ground  retain ! 
I  will  no  longer  try  to  love  defy  ! 
But  bid  Hope's  pinions  try  to  wing  their  way  to  blisa 
It  cannot  be  amiss — just  one  kiss  ! 
I  will  be  thine  ! 
And  wilt  thou  not  be  mine  .■' 
I  will  always  faithful  be  ! 
Wilt  not  trust  me? 
My  love  is  not  in  vain ; 
Bid  me  hope  again  ! 

We'll  seal  our  vow  with  one  kiss  now — 
Just  one  sweet  kiss  I  just  one  kiss  ! 
Oh,  how  brief  the  hour  that  Cupid  gives  to  me  ! 

Happy  hour! 
Oh,  to  think  that  I  must  part  so  soon  from  thee  I 

Pity  it  must  pass  away ! 
Never,  never  leave  my  side; 
I  will  yet  become  your  bride; 
Realize  my  hope  and  pride  ! 
Oh  !  how  long  have  I  pined  for  such  sympathy  I 

She  talks  of  love— love  tor  me ! 
Therefore,  do  not  go  from  me  ; 
My  hopes  are  all  in  thee — 
Give  me  your  sweet  sympathy! 


Leon, 

Peron. 

Leon. 

Peron. 

Leon. 

Peron, 

Leon. 

Peron. 

Leon. 

Peron. 


Peron 

FlAM.  I 
ISA. 


Boc. 


Peron. 

Leon. 

Peron. 

Leon. 

Peron. 


Peron 

Leon. 

Peron 


49 


Leon. 
Peron. 
Leon. 
Peron. 

Leon. 

PlETRO. 


Lamb. 

Lotter. 

Lamb. 


Lotter. 
Lamb. 


FlAM.      ISA. 

Boc.  Peron. 
Leon.  Pietro. 
Lotter. 
FlAM.  IsA. 
Boc.  Peron 
Lamb.  Pietro 
Lotter. 

FlAM.       ISA. 

Boc.     Peron 
Lamb.  Pietro. 
Lamb. 
Lotter 


It  really  must  be 

To  be  your  bride  were  sweetest  bliss  ! 

That  she  needs  sympathy  ! 
Yes!     Yes!     Yes!     Yes! 
One  kiss — just  one  !  just  one  kiss  I 

It  is  such  bliss  to  her,  I'll  give  her  one  kiss  I 
'Tis  charming  !  and  so  int'resting  I 
It  is  a  page  from  life — 
She  must  become  my  wife  I 
'Twould  be  such  bliss — such  bliss ! 
Give  me  but  one  kiss  I 
'Tis  a  devil's  tree  ! 
This  cask  is  water-tight !     All  right ! 
.    It  will  kill  me  !     A  devil's  tree  ! 
It  will  kill  me  !     It  will  kill  rae ! 
Such  fear  !  Such  fear  !  'Tis  too  much ! 
There  is  no  light !     It  is  all  right  I  &c. 
This  tree  makes  every  one  appear 
To  bill  and  coo,  like  turtle  doves  I 


i 


,.! 


Oh,  that  we  now  must  part  I 
I  have  got  my  head  full ! 

Farewell ! 
Surely,  this  is  dreadful ! 
Yes,  we  now  must  sadly  part — farewell  f 


This,  surely,  is  the  devil's  tree ! — Yes  ! 
'Tis  tight! 

Scalza.  {Outside.)  Lambertuccio  !     Lotteringhi  I  {Enter  ScalzaO 
Here  is  news ! 
Now,  to  listen,  don't  refuse  ! 
Boccaccio  is  now  within  your  house ! 
ISA.  {To  Pietro.)     Fly  qui<;kly  ! 
FiAM.  {To  Boc.)     Leave  this  place! 

P    ■      y  You  are  in  greatest  danger! 

\^Exit  YiKU.  into  Lamb.^s  house.'\    [Exit  IsA.  into  her  hou^e."] 

Pietro.  }  Where  shall  we  go  ? 

Peron.  (To  Leon.)  Fly  quickly;  or  else  you  will  be  lost! 

[^■jrz/ Peron.  /«/^  Lamb.'s  house.     Viktko  ^ets  behind  cask 
in  cooper's yard.'\ 
Leon.  I  must  go  .?     Pray,  whither  can  I  go  ? 

[Hoc.  &  Leon,  conceal  themselves  behind  barrels  in  cooler's  yard."] 
Scalza.  Lotteringhi !  Lambertuccio !  Where  are  you  ? 

[Lamb,  comes  down  from  tree.'\ 


60 


Lamb. 


LOTTER. 
SCALZA. 
LOTTER. 

Lamb 

SCALZA. 
LOTTER, 

Lamb, 

SCALZA. 
LOTTER, 

Lamb. 

SCALZA. 


} 

•■I 

L. 
ER.  > 


LOTTER 

Lamb. 

SCALZA. 


ER.  ) 


LOTTER 
SCALZA. 

Lamb. 

SCALZA. 
LOTTER. 
SCALZA. 

Lamb. 

LOTTER. 

Lamb. 

SCALZA. 


Cho 

LOTTER. 

Lamb 

^CALZA. 


ER.  ) 


I  was  upon  that  tree. 

[LOTTER.  comes  out  of  barrel. '\ 
And  I  was  in  that  cask. 
Lotteringhi !     Lambertuccio  !    Do  you  hear  ? 
O  Scalza,  speak  again  ! 
And  tell  us  who  has  been  slain  ! 
Come  with  me ! 

Where's  Boccaccio  ?    Can  you  say  ? 
Come  with  me ! 


Lead  us  to  him  right  away ! 

Come,  follow  me ! 

Now,  Boccaccio,  we'll  see  ! 

He  shall  perish  ! 

He's  disguised  in  some  strange  fellow's  blouse ! 

The  students  told  me  that  he  was  now  secreted  in  youi 

house  ! 
So,  lose  no  time  !     Come  on  ! 
We've  tracked  the  rascal  to  your  house  ! 
Can  it  be  that  fine  young  man? 

Certainly ! 
Was  it  that  simpleton  ? 

You  are  right ! 
Now,  1  am  no  longer  blind  ! 

After  all ! 
Ah,  the  rascal  fooled  us  well  ! 
Our  vengeance  now  he'll  surely  find  ! 
The  wretch  has  dared  at  us  to  mock ! 
And  now  his  rioting  we'll  quell !     The  wretch,  &C. 
He  cannot  be  far  from  sight ; 
He,  surely,  cannot  escape  us  now! 
Disguised  in  stranger's  blouse, 
He  now  is  in  that  house  ! 

[Men  Chorus  behind  scenes,  R.] 
At  last,  at  last,  now  we  have  the  scoundrel ! 
Tell  us  what  is  that  noise  ? 

I'll  tell  you! 

'Tis  the  shout  of  your  friends,  who  have  no  fright ! 
They  have  watched  through  the  night. 

[Men's  Chorus  behind  the  scenes,  L.] 

Catch  him  !     Catch  him  !  and  give  him  no  quarter  ! 

.■^*  ^     •  >■  Ah,  yes,  they  have  him  now ! 

Lamb.  See !     At  last  we  have  triumphed  ! 

We  will  put  him  to  death  ! 

[Enter  citizens,  with  Unknown  in  their  midst.'] 


51 


Citizens. 

LOTTER. 
SCALZA. 

Citizens. 

LOTTER. 


Forward,  on  men  !     Come  on,  come  on  !     Forward  ! 

Let  us  beat  him  soundly  ! 

No^.v  that  we  liave  found  the  rascal !     It  is  Boccaccio  ! 
[  The  ineji  beat  the  Unknown.] 
Hear  me ! 
We'll  teach  you  not  to  ridicule  us ! 

Take  care ! 
We'll  teach  you  not  to  fool  us ! 

No !     No ! 
Don't  spare  the  fellow  now  ! 

'Tis  not  for  me  ! 
Do  not  spare  him  now ! 


Unknown. 
Citizens.  ) 
Cho.  \ 

Unknown. 
Citizens.  > 
Cho.  >" 
Unknown. 
Citizens.  | 
Cho.  J 

Unknown. 
Citizens.  ) 
Cho.  ; 

[Enter  Fiam.  Isa.,  Beatrice,  Peron.,  Students,  and  Fvvh  Cna] 

LOTTER.      ~1 

Take  that  for  your  vile  "  Spinellocia,"  rascal ! 
And  that  for  "  Zeppa,"  and  your  other  trash  ! 


Scalza.      I 
CinzENS. 
Cho.  J 

Unknown. 


Fiam.     Isa. 
Bea.   Peron. 
Students. 

LOTTER.      ~l 

Scalza.  1 
Citizens.  [ 
Cho.  J 

Unknown. 


Fiam.     Isa. 
Bea.  Peron. 
Students. 

LOTTER.       1 

Scalza.  I 
Citizens.  [ 
Cho.  J 

Unknown. 


Unknown. 
Women  Cho. 


Lamb. 


I  cannot  tell  why  you  are  beating  me  ! 
Leave  off  your  blows,  1  say,  and  let  me  be. 

Ah  !  'tis  a  stranger ! 
Yes  !  for  Boccaccio  they  take  him! 
Who  is  the  man  they  have  ?     Whom  can  it  be  ? 
Take  that !  and  that ! 
That  is  now  given  you  in  honor  of 
Your  "  Buffolmaco,"  "  Calandarin," 
'•  Torello,"  "  Carisendi,"  "  Saladin  !  " 
'Tis  not  I !     'Tis  not  I !     Beware  ! 
Nay,  do  not  trifle  with  me  now  !      Beware  ! 
When  you  know  me,  you  will  take  care ! 
Who  is  the  stranger  they  have  got? 
Boccaccio  it  is  not.     'Tis  not ! 
Alas  !  whom  can  it  be  ? 
Take  that !     Take  that !     Take  that ! 
For  every  copy  of  your  trash 
We'll  give  you  now  at  least  a  lash. 
We'll  make  you  an  example— 
'Tis  not  1  !     'Tis  not  I  ! 
Take  that,  take  that,  for  an  example  1 
Take  you  that ! 

'Tis  not  for  me! 
And  I  do  not  such  honor  want. 
It  is  not  he.     'Tis  not  Boccaccio  ! 
'Tis  not  he  ! 

{Enter  Lamb,  with  lantern^ 
Hold  now  !     'Tis  a  blunder;  him  I  know. 


52 


^Holds  lantern  to  UNKNOWN's/af^.] 

Lamb.  Yes;  this  man  whom  you  have  beaten, 

And  would  not  to  his  words  listen 
For  Fiametta  brings  me  gold. 
You  are  not  Boccaccio  ; 

'Tis  not  my  name. 
You  are  not  a  poet  ? 
Not  that  I  know. 
You're  not  a  scribbling  fool? 
Oh,  never  mind  ;  leave  talk  behind, 
And  tell  us  what  you  came  here  for — 

What  do  you  here  ? 
I  am  the  trusted  bearer 
Of  a  quite  important  commission. 
{Recti.)  A  commission  ?     Tell  us  what  it  can  be. 
I  come  to  carry  Fiametta  off; 
Make  no  opposition  1 
)     Oh,  heavens  !  how  your  words  have  frightened  me  ! 

Soon  you  must  be  ready  to  go. 
)  Must  I  go  ? 

Say  farewell  to  all  your  friends  now. 

Oh,  no,  no  ! 


Chorus. 
Unknown. 

Chorus. 
Unknown. 
Chorus. 
Bea.  Isa.  } 
Peron.      \ 

Unknown. 

All. 
Unknown. 

FiAM.  {Recit. 
Unknown. 
FiAM.  {Recit. 
Unknown. 
FiAM.    Bea 
Isa.  Peron. 
Chorus. 
Unknown. 

FlAM. 

Bea.     Isa. 
Peron.  Cho 
Unknown. 
Fiam. 


Chorus. 


Boc. 
Leon. 
Pietro 
Boc. 

Leon.  ) 
Pietro.  J 
Boc. 

Leon.  \ 
Pietro.  ) 
Boc. 

Leon.  \ 
Pietro.  t 


Don't  detain  me,  Fiametta. 
Must  I  go? 

I  Let  her  stay  ! 

For  we  must  both  depart  to-day. 
Let  me  stay  ! 
How  sad  is  parting  !     Must  I  leave  them? 
Tears  now  are  starting  !     I  cannot  go ! 
Oh,  must  I  part  from  friends  so  true  ?  [too ! 

And  from  him  to  whom  my  heart  is  pledged — my  lover 
No ;  'tis  too  hard,  indeed,  for  me  to  bear ; 
If  we  must  part,  for  life  I  do  not  care  ! 
Oh,  sad  this  sudden  parting  ! 
From  our  eyes  the  tears  are  starting; 
It  is  not  right  that  she  must  from  us  go  now  ! 

They'll  suspect  me,  it  is  clear  ! 


[•         We  must  go  way  from  here. 

I'm  sure  they're  on  my  track — 
Yes,  they  must  have  found  a  trace — 
Though  I  do  not  courage  lack — 
And  have  followed  to  this  place  1 
I  will  quickly  take  my  leave ; 
Clouds  are  gatheving  overhead! 


53 


Boc. 

Leon. 

PlETRO 

Boc. 
Leon 

PlETRO 

Boc. 
Leon 

PlETRO 

Boc 


} 


Leon. 

PlETRO 

Boc. 
Leon.  ) 

PlETRO.  J 

Boc 

FlAM 
ISA 

Bea 


} 


I... 


Students. 
Chorus. 


Leon. 

PlETRO. 

Boc. 
Leon. 

PlETRO. 

Boc. 
Leon. 

PlETRO. 

Boc. 
Leon 

PlETR 

Boc 
Leon. 

PlETRO. 


0.! 


Stay  !     I'll  all  of  them  deceive ! 

It  is  time  that  we  had  fled ! 
Yes,  yes ;  I  will  them  deceive  1 

And  whichever  way  it  go — 
For  before  I  go  away — 

We'll  side  with  Boccaccio ! 

I  must  have  a  word  to  say. 
To  Fiametta  I  must  at  once 
A  true  lover's  blessing  give  ; 

Now  we  must  away  from  here, 

Ere  we're  discovered,  that  is  clear. 
Perhaps  'twill  cheer  her  sad  heart. 

Now  it  is  no  longer  safe — 
It  is  not  safe  ! 
One  word — one  word  ! 
Oh,  'tis  sad — yes,  it  is  sad'ning  !     Oh,  it  is  sad ! 

•<  TT^    >•  heart  is  breaking. 

It  is  so  sad — alas  !  so  sad ! 

Must  <     ,     [•  then  leave  all  |  ^J  [■  dear  old  £riends 

How  can  <        >  bear  the  pain  ? 
(  we  ^  ^ 

Oh,  fate  is  so  unkind  ! 

(Whatam)    (I      )  ,^    ,. 

i  What  is    nsher°^°- 

Shall    I  gj^g  I  not  see  again  I JJ^^.  [  lover  true  ? 

[     Must  we  say  farewell  forever  ? 
I     Oh,  'tis  hard  to  say  farewell ! 
Ever  hard  to  say  farewell ! 
Yes,  to  say  farewell ! 
She  must  now,  alas  !  depart ! 
Take  courage,  dear,  accept  your  lot, 
•Be  brave !     Forget  not  your  friends  ! 

We  must  very  careful  be ! 

{nrhasl'^^^^t'TiDgtask. 

I  must  wear  a  demon's  mask! 
He  must  wear  a  demon's  mask! 
Should  my  new  plan  not  succeed — 
Should  his  new  plan  not  succeed — 
1  shall  be  exposed,  indeed  ! 
He  will  be  exposed,  indeed  I 


54 


Boc. 

Leon. 

PlETRO. 

Boc. 
Leon. 

PlETRO. 

Boc. 
Leon. 

PlETRO. 

Boc. 


ISA. 

Bea. 


While  I  wear  the  devil's  mask, 
I'll  frighten  them  to  death — 

He'll  frighten  them  to  death  ! 

But  I  must  caution  my  good  friends, 
That  they  may  speak  in  softest  breath. 
Oh,  should  he  be  discovered, 
He  is  surely  lost  forever  ! 
1  must  speak  one  word  to  her ! 
One  word  to  her! 
We  must  make  a  masterstroke — 

A  masterstroke  ! 
Soon  for  a  piece  of  strategy, 
And  then  a  demon  they  shall  see. 


FlAM. 

Peron. 
LoTTER.  Lamb. 
SCALZA.  Cho. 
Boc. 


Then,  Farewell !     Farewell !     Farewell  I 


Unknown. 

FlAM. 

Unknown. 

FlAM. 

Unknown. 

FlAM. 

Unknown. 

FlAM. 

Unknown. 

FlAM. 

Unknown. 

FlAM. 

Unknown. 

FlAM. 

Unknown. 

FlAM. 

Unknown. 
Bea.         Isa. 
Peron.  Lamb 
Students. 

LOTTER. 
SCALZA. 


Boc. 


FlAM. 

Boc 

FlAM 


Soon  for  a  piece  of  strategy,  &c. 
Have  care ! 
Do  not  give  way  to  bitterness ; 

You  have  in  store  great  happiness ! 
I  am  plunged  in  deepest  woe  ! 

Be  calm  ! 
'Twill  break  my  heart  to  go  ! 
Take  heart ! 
No,  no !     1  cannot  go  1 
Do  not  despair! 
For  your  future  will  be  fair ! 
More  welcome,  far,  were  death! 

Do  not  despair ! 
I  pray  with  every  breath. 

We  must  away  ! 
Oh,  heaven  !     What  shall  I  do? 

We  must  away ! 
'Tis  death  to  me  ! 

You're  very  fortunate ! 
'Tis  death  to  me  !      Oh  ! 

You  ought  to  bless  kind  fate  !  Say  good  bye ! 
Be  brave  I     Take  heart ! 
It  is  good  luck  !     Farewell !     Farewell ! 
It  surely  is  good  luck  ! 
You're  fortunate  ! 
What  blissful  fate  !     Fiametta  ! 

Boc.  [IVho  has  gone  up  the  stage  behind  the  tree.'] 

Have  courage  now,  for  I  am  near ! 

FlAM.  [  H  'ith  great  chajtge  of  manner — delighted.'] 

Who  is  that .? 
Let  me  give  you  a  word  of  cheer ! 
'Tis  his  voice ! 


Cho. 


55 


Boc. 

FlAM. 

Boc. 
Cho. 

FlAM. 

Boc. 
Cho 

FlAM. 

Boc. 

Cho. 

FlAM. 

FiAM.  Bea. 
IsA.  Peron. 


Boc. 


Cho. 


FiAM.    Bea. 
Peron.   Isa. 

FlAM. 

FiAM.  &  Cho 


Where'er  your  lot  may  be, 
I'll  ever  follow  thee  ! 

Oh,  what  magic — magic  most  enchanting  ! 
Hear  me ! 
How  strange  ! 
'Tis  his  voice — such  blessed  hope  implanting  I 
Hear  me  I 
How  strange ! 
'Tis  his  thrilling  voice  ; 

Dear  one,  wher'er  thoi  may'st  be, 
I  will  follow  thee  ! 
How  strange  !  what  change  can  it  be  ? 
For  sorrow  now  gives  place  to  joy.     Ah  ! 
)  Joy  has  come  to  take  the  place  of  sorrow; 

I  she  (  "°  longer     I  |  jj^^^  |-  from  pain  to  borrow, 

No  more  sighing,  care  defying, 

Hope  has  dawned  on    ■<  |"     [•  at  last ! 

Open  gates !     Good  fprtune  waits  ! 
All  care  is  banished  ! 
All  clouds  have  vanished  ! 
Now  sunbeams  bright 
Shed  golden  light! 
Now  skies  are  clear! 
There  is  joy  here  ! 
Life's  bright  treasure 
Is  Love's  sweet  measure  I 
Ecstatic  measure  I 
Hope  is  here, 

And  the  skies  at  last  are  clear !     Yes  I 
Have  care  I     Be  brave  !     Be  careful ! 
Have  courage  !     I'll  follow ! 
Be  faithful !     I'll  love  thee  ever! 
Dearest,  keep  your  courage 
Grieve  never,  hope  ever  !     I'll  be  near  I 
From  me  thy  love  none  can  sever  ! 
I'll  love  thee  forever !     I'll  protect  thee  evcw  , 
I'll  fondly  thee  cherish 

Till  life's  breath  shall  perish — forever !  forever ! 
Good  luck  attend  you  ever  •, 
Do  not  forget  your  old-time  friends. 
Do  not  forget  us  ;  think  of  us  ever ! 
When  far  away,  let  your  thoughts  stray 
Back  to  the  home  and  tl^  friends 
Of  your  sweet  childhood.     Yes,  yes  ! 
Back  to  the  old  home  of  childhood — 
To  the  home  of  childhood  sweet  we  hold  dear.  Yes  I 
>  Oh,  blissful  vision,  and  pleasure  elysian — 
\  A  foretaste  of  heaven  is  given  us  now; 

A  dream  of  Paradise  below  ! 
.   A  dream  of  Paradise  below! 


Boc.  [On  the  wall,  disguised  in  deviPs  mask.) 


M 

Boc.  Obey  me  well,  or  you  to  Hades  go  ! 

[All  except  Leon  and  PiEXRoyvz//  to  the  ground  in  terror  when 
Boc.  appears  on  the  wall.'] 
LorxER.  Be  A.  ) 
Lamb.  Peron.  y         'Tis  Satan  !     A  demon  ! 

SCALZA.    ISA.     ) 

Boc.  Obey  me,  or  I  will  take  you  down  below  ! 

LOTTER.  1 

Lamb.      Bea     I  tt  i     tt  , 

SCALZA.  ISA.     f         Have  mercy!     Have  mercy! 

Peron.   Cho.    J 

Boc.  The  demon  now  soon  will  leave  the  house  ! 

LOTTER.  "I 

ScALZA    1   ^°^'  heaven  its  mercy  to  ws  show  ! 
Cho.       J 
Boc.  Leon 

PlETRO.  Heigh-ho ! 

Students. 
[During  the  last  of  the  Ensemble,  the  unknown  leads  Fiametta 
to  the  back  of  the  stage."] 


ACT  III. 

Scene. — Garden  of  the  Ducal  Palace  at  Florence,    fite  given  fy 
Prince  Pietro  in  honor  of  Fiametta,  liis  affianced.] 
[Chorus  discovered  at  rise  of  curtain^ 

Chorus. 
How  pleasing  the  novels  of  jolly  Boccaccio! 

Refreshing  are  they ; 
Dovoted  to  pleasure — to  fun  without  measure  ; 
We  gladly  would  have  him  continue  writing. 
We'll  read  them  to  cheer  us, 

And  drive  away  care  ; 
They  banish  our  sorrow, 

Relieve  our  despair! 
He  is  our  fav'rite  writer; 
He  is  of  stories  rare  inditer. 
Exit  Chorus.    Enter  Pietro,  r..  Enter  Boc.  L.) 

PlETBO.  Ah,  my  dear  Boccaccio,  I  am  glad  to  see  you  at  court.  I 
wish  to  present  you  to  the  Duke,  and  to  my  future  bride.  This 
is  our  bethrothal  festival. 

Boc.  {Aside.)    Fiametta!  {To  Pietro.)    Prince,  you  honor  me  I 
[Enter  Major  Domo.] 

Pietro.  \To  Major  Domo.)    How  is  the  Princess,  this  morninj^? 


57 

Major.     H'm.  Ha!     Quite  well.     She  is  constantly  at  the  bedside 

of  his  highness.     You  can  imagine 

Boc.  {Aside.)     That  is  why  I  do  not  see  her. 

Major.     H'm.  Ha!     It  is  the  wish  of  tlie  Duke  that  the  festivities 

shall  not  be  interrupted  by  his  slight  illness.     Here  is  the  pro 

gramme  for  the  day.     You  can  imagine 

PiETRO.     Let  us  see.    {Enter  Leon.) 

Boc.     At  last ! 

Leon.     Dear  Prince ! 

PiETRO.     Welcome,  dear  Leonetto  ! 

Leon.  (TV  Boc.)     What  news? 

Boc.  (Ti*  Leon.)     Fiametta  is  the  daughter  of  the  Duke.     She  is  to 

become  Pietro's  bride.     I  cannot  think  of  such  a  thing  ! 
PiETRO.  {To  Boc.)     Cavalier  Boccaccio,  if   you  please,  you  may  ar 

range  a  comedy  to  be  played  previous  to  the  supper. 
Major.     H'm.     Ha!     An  extempore    comedy.     Understand?     N'ou 

can  imagine 

PiETRO.  {To  Boc.)     There  is  no  one  so  familiar  with    the    manners 

and  customs  of  Florence  as  yourself  ! 
Boc.     I  ?     {Exit  Major.) 
Leon.  {Aside,  to  Boc.)     Accept  the  management.     It  will  aid   your 

plans.     Fiametta  will,  of  course,  take  part ! 
Boc.  {Aside  to  Leon.)  You  are  right.  {To  Pietro.)  With  pleasure. 
PiETRO.     Thanks,  Giovanni.     The   entire    management   is   in   your 

hands.  I  must  marry  a  lady  I  do  not  love  at  all,  just  to  please  my 

father. 
Boc.     The  maiden  is  said  to  be  a  paragon  of  grace  and  beauty. 
Pietro.     Well,  she  is  not  so  bad,  after  all ! 
Boc.    {Aside.)     Indeed?     The   idiot!     {To  Pietro.)     But  does  the 

girl  consent  to  marry  you  .>* 
Pietro.     Yes  ;  although  she  declared  yesterday  that  she  did  not  care 

for  me.     She  was  jesting,  of  course  ;  for  it  would  be  simply  im- 
possible for  any  girl  not  to  like  me  ! 
Boc.  {Aside.)     What  an  insufferably  conceited  fellow  !    {To  Pietro.) 

Did  you  ever  love  ? 
Pietro.     Yes.     When  I  was  sixteen  years  of  age,  I  fell  in  love  with 

a  servant  of  my  mother,  and  promised  to  marry  her. 
Leon.     And  did  you  not  do  it  ? 
Pietro.     I  did.     I  kept  my  word.     I  married  her  to  another !     To 

my  coachman ! 
Boc.     And  Isabella? 
Pietro.     Only  a  harmless  little  flirtation,  just  to  kill  time. 

Trio. — Boc,  Pietro  &  Leonetto. 

Always  in  twos,  or  in  threes,  or  in  fours, 
Or  in  fives,  yes,  but  never  alone  !    &c. 


58 

[Exit  Boc,  Leon.,  and  Pietro,  into  Palace.     Enter.  Peron 
Lamb.,  and  Major.] 

Major.  (7b  Lamb.  ««// Peron.)   H'm.     Ha!    Don't  be  afraid.    The 
Duke  wants  to  thank  you  for  the  great  care   you  have  given  to 
the  education  of  his  daughter.     You  can  imagine 
Lamb.     This  is  too  much  honor.     I  never  dreamed  my  foster  daugh- 
ter was  a  princess,  when  she  was  knitting  my  stockings  and — 
Peron.  And  to  think  I  have  often  boxed  the  ears  of  a  real  Princess  I 
Lamb.     Shall  I  really  shake  hands  with  the  Duke  himself.'^ 
Major.     H'm.     Ha!     Certainly.     Why,  you  have  already  met  him. 
He  is  the  unknown  man  who  has  brought  you  the  money  for  Fia- 

metta's  expenses.     You  can  imagine 

Lamb.  Why,  the  last  time  he  came,  I  called  him  a  fool  and  an  old 
thief!  But  I  was  half  drunk  that  day.  Please,  tell  the  Duke 
I  am  never  completely  sober.  I  can  bring  a  hundred  witnesses 
to  prove  it!  {To  Peron.)  Well,  sister,  you  go  first  and  speak  to 
him.  You  know  you  can  talk!  {Aside)  Well,  here  is  good  for- 
tune, indeed  !  If  I  had  not  met  a  cross-eyed  man  on  my  way 
here,  I  should  not  fear  the  future.  {Exit  Peron  &  Major.)  Let 
me  see,  I  am  the  foster-father  of  the  Princess  Fiametta,  conse- 
quently, the  Duke  is  my  somewhat  hammered-out  foster-brother 
in-law ! 

Couplet. — Lambertuccio. 

Pm  the  father  of  a  princess, 

Pm  a  Duke  incognito; 
But  of  all  these  royal  honors. 

Until  now  I  did  not  know  ! 
Pm  the  father  of  a  princess,  &c. 

I  am  very,  very  humble. 

And,  alas  !  no  longer  young  ; 
Yet  I  can  make  her  a  present — 

Pll  give  her  my  sister's  tongue  ! 
Pm  the  father  of  a  Princess,  &c. 

When  the  Princess  darned  my  stockings, 

Little  thought  I  royal  blood 
Was  in  those  white,  nimble  fingers, 

Or  Pd  shed  of  tears  a  flood  ! 
Pm  the  father  of  a  Princess,  &c. 

[Enter  Fiam.  &  Boc] 
Boc.     So,  my  poor  Fiametta  is   to  be   sacrificed  ?     Alas  !     Ah,  here 

she  comes  !  {To  Fiam.)     Princess  Fiametta! 
Fiam.     Do  you  really  love  me  as  much  as  you  profess  .? 
Boc.     With  my  life!     But  when  I  became  so  fondly  attached  to  you 

1    thought  you  were  an  humble    citizen's  daughter,  not  beyond 

the  adoration  of  a  poor  poet. 
Fiam.     Forgive  me  for  being  a  Princess  ! 
Boc.     It  is,  indeed,  wrong  of  you  ;  but  there  is  no  guilt  in  it 


59 


FlAM.     I  am  sure  I  can  yet  obtain  the  consent  of  my  fathei  to  marry 

you,  if  Pietro  will  relinquish  my  hand. 
Boc.     Courage  !  Courage  !    Fiametta !     I  will  undertake  the  task  of 

making  him  yield  his  claim  upon  you.     Do  you  remember  the 

day  our  eyes  first  met .'' 
FiAM.     I  do,  indeed.     We  were  promenading,  listening  to  a  Tuscan 

song. 
Boc.     Let  us  sing  that  song  now  ! 

Duet. — Fiametta  &  Boccaccio. 

Boc.         I  pray  thee,  dearest,  tell  me  the  language  of  love  ! 
Does  it  come  from  the  angels  in  heaven  above .-' 
Is  it  heard  in  the  fountains, 
That  sparkle  'mid  the  mountains? 
Is  it  warbled  by  the  birdlings,  or  chanted  by  the  bees? 
Oh,  what  is  love  ? 
Is't  from  above  ? 
Canst  thou  tell  me  what  it  is 

That  fiMs  my  heart  with  pleasure  ? 
Surely,  you  know  its  language  well; 
Tell  what  is  its  spell  ? 
FlAM  I'll  tell  thee,  dearest — listen  :  the  language  of  love 

Boc.  Oh,  yes  ! 

It  is  the  heart's  own  wishes,  heard  in  tones  that  move 
Boc.  Yes  !     Yes ! 

'Tis  heard  in  lover's  sighing, 
When  cherished  hopes  are  dying. 
And  the  eyes  its  message  carry  to  portals  of  the  heart. 
Boc.  It  speaks  from  the  eyes  ! 

FlAM.  Oh,  that  is  love  !     'Tis  from  above  ! 

Thus  have  I  told  thee  what  it  is 

That  fills   our  hearts  with  pleasure 
You  also  know  its  language  well, 
And  yield  unto  its  spell — Ah  ! 
Boc.  Such  is  love  !     Such  is  love  ! 

FlAM.  Such  is  love,  my  dearest!     Such  is  love — Ah  ! 

Boc.  Such  is  love — purest  love  ! 

FiAM.  Love  that  in  the  heart  is  constant — Ah  ! 

Boc.  Love  that's  ever  constant ! 

Purest  love  !     Constant  love  ! 
FlAM.  Let  us  sing  love's  song  together — 

Firulin,  firulin,  firulera  1 
Boc.  Now,  let  us  sing  together — Firulin,  &c. 

Both.  We'll  sing  the  song  of  love — Firulin,  &c. 

Boc.  I  pray  thee,  dearest,  tell  me  if  love  ever  dies  ?  [fies, 

FlAM.  The  love  that  springs  from  heaven  all  Time's  reign  de 

Boc.  It  then  m  ist  be  a  treasure ; 

The  greatest  in  life's  measure  ! 
FlAM.  It  a  fortaste  is  to  mortals  of  endless  paradise  ! 

Ah,  yes !     'Tis  love  ! 


60 

Boc.  And  this,  tlien  is  love  ? 

Ah,  yes  !  this  is  true  love  I 
FlAlc.  Thus  will  we  ever  love,  my  own, 

While  Love  sits  on  its  throne! 
Thus  will  we  ever  love,  &c. 
Boc.  Such  is  love  !     Such  is  love  ! 

FlAM.  Love  like  this  will  banish  sorrow !     Ah  ! 

Hoc.  Love  will  banish  sorrow  ; 

Such  is  love!     Such  is  love  ! 
FiAM.  It  will  bring  a  glad  to-morrow.     Ah  ! 

Boc.  If  it  lives  in  the  heart! 

Holy  love  !     Constant  love  ! 
FiAM.  Let  us  sing  love's  song  together  ! 

Firulin,  Firulin,  Firulera  ! 
We'll  sing  the  song  of  love  !  &c. 
Hoc.  Now,  let  us  sing  together  I  &c.     {Exit  Fiam  &  Boc  ) 

[Enter  Peron.  &  Lamb,] 
Lamb.     The  Duke  has  decorated  me  !     Oh,  what  honor ! 
Peron.     And  the  Duke  called  me  his  old  girl.    [Enter  Scalza.] 
SCALZA.  (To  Lamb.)     I  want  you  to  assist  us  in  getting  Boccaccio 
banished. 

[Enter  Is  A.,  Bea.  &  Lottek.] 
Lamb.     Sorry,  but  I  can't     The  court  now  protects  him,  and  I  am 

loyal  to  the  court ! 
ScALZA.     Ah  I     I  see.     Well,  coopers  are  getting  aristocratic.     Why 

doesn't  the  Duke  honor  7ne  /    {Enter  Boc.) 
Lamb.     {Aside.)     That  simpleton! 
Bea.  {Aside)     The  Student! 
IsA.  {Aside.)    'Tis  Boccaccio  ! 
SCALZA      It  is  Boccaccio  ! 
LoTTER.     What !     Boccaccfo ! 
Peron.     Yes  ;  it  is  Boccaccio  ! 

Boc     Yes  ;  I'm  Boccaccio.     I  am  pleased  to  meet  you  all ! 
Bea.     You'll  find  us  friends,  cavalier. 
SCALZA.  {Aside.)     Nothing  of  the  kind  ! 
\SA.  {Aside.)     A  fine  cavalier ! 

Lamb.  {To  Scalza  &  Lotter.)     Beware  !     Treat  him  respectluli) 
Lotter.  {To  Lamb.)     He  is  a  coward  !     He  has  attacked  us  ! 
Lamb.  {Aside  to  Loiter.)     He  has  insulted  us  ! 
Lotter  and  Lamb.  He  has  insulted  us.  Let  us  force  him  to  retract. 
Boc.  {To  Lotter.  and  Lamb.)     What  is  the  matter,  gentlemen  ? 
Lotter  attd  Lamb.     We  belong  to  the  opposition. 
Boc.     Oh,  indeed  ! 
Bea.  {Sarcastically.)     Oh,  they  are  all  good,  sober  mdustrious  men 

and  therefore,  took  offence  at  your  novels  \ 


61 


Boc.  Ah,  I  see !  But,  novels  aside.  Sink  the  shop.  I  am  arrang- 
ing a  play  for  performance  at  the  festival,  and  I  want  actors. 

ScALZA.     Actors  ? 

LoTTER.     Marionettes  ? 

Boc.     Not  dummies  !     You  will  not  do  ! 

ScALZA.  (To  LoTTER.)     Is  he  making  fun  of  us  ? 

LoTTER.  {To  SCALZA  )     Oh,  no  !     He  means  it  for  politeness  ! 

Lamb.  [To  Lotter  )  Not  a  word  !  Boccaccio  is  able  to  get  you  ap- 
pointed Court  cooper  of  Sicily. 

Lotter.     Is  it  possible  ? 

Lamb.  (To  Scalza.)  A  word  from  Boccaccio  will  make  you  Court 
barber ! 

Scalza.     Indeed? 

Boc.  {To  Lotter.,  Lamb.,  &  Scalza.)  Will  you  take  part  in  the 
dramatic  reprensentation  ? 

Lotter.     We  are  all  ready . 

Boc.  Alas  !  rt't'ar  friends,  you  have  hated  Boccaccio.  You  must  not 
despise  the  man  for  the  idea  he  represents. 


Septett. — Bea.  Isa.,  Peron.,  Boc,  Lotter.,  Lamb.,  Scalza. 


Boc. 

Lotter 
Lamb 
Scalza 
Boc. 


ER.  ) 


Lotter 
Lamb 
Scalza 
Boc. 


ER.  ) 


Scalza. 

Boc. 
Lamb. 

Boc. 
Lotter. 


Boc. 


Bea 
Isa 

Peron 
Lamb. 


ION.  ) 


You  thoughtless,  blind  and  silly  men. 
Your  spite  against  me  is  flattering. 

Yes,  it  must  he  very  flattering. 

What  ?     What  ? 
I  can't  explain  your  lack  cf  sense  ; 
Your  brains,  if  those  important  things  you  have, 
Are  surely  scatt'ring ! 

Yes,  of  course,  our  brains  are  scattering! 

What  ?     What  1 
I  only  told  you  what  was  true  ! 
What  arrant  hypocrites  are  you  ! 
We  thought  Boccaccio  was  a  knave,  a  scoundrel - 
A  good-for-nothing  young  scamp ! 
You  know  you  never  tell  the  truth. 
He  is  as  cunning  as  a  fox ; 
As  treacherous  and  dangerous  is  he  ! 
My  tales  abound  in  sentiment ! 
Whoever  tells  the  truth  is  sure  to  make 
So  very  many  enemies  ! 

And  though  the  tales  sound  dreadfully  to  you, 
I  do  no  lies  invent. 

Serves  you  right,  you  foolish  fellows ! 

Noblesse  oblige  /     Decorum  preserve. 


63 


Boc. 


Bea. 

ISA, 

Peron. 

LOTTER. 

Lamb. 

SCALZA. 

Bea. 

ISA. 

Peron. 

LOTTER. 

Lamb. 


Scalza. 


Wit,  truth  and  humor,  these  weapons  long   have  1 

wielded ; 
No  friends  or  rivals  have  I  from  my  lances  shielded 

With  such  weapons,  conquers  he 
A  triumphant  victory  ! 

Wit,  truth,  and   humor,  the   weapons   he    long   has 

wielded, 
No  friends  or  rivals  shielded  !     What  victory  ! 
Such  is  genius,  such  is  wit ; 
How  these  men  are  by  truth  so  badly  hit ! 
But  the  man  who  can  laugh  doth  wisdom  show  ! 
So  let's  laugh  with  Boccaccio  ! 
Such  is  genius,  such  is  wit, 
How  these  men  were  by  truth  so  badly  hit ! 
Yet  the  man  who  can  laugh  doth  wisdom  show ; 
So  let's  laugh  with  Boccaccio  ! 

Such  is  genuis  !     Such  is  wit! 
How  we  by  truth  were  badly  hit ! 
We  did  not  like  the  truth,  you  know, 
As  told  us  by  Boccaccio  ! 
Although  it  made  us  ill  at  ease  ! 
His  truth  did  all  the  ladies  please. 
So  now  we'll  laugh — ha,  ha,  ho,  ho  ! 
We'll  laugh  with  you,  Boccaccio  ! 


Boc. 


You  foolish,  blind  and  silly  men,  &c. 
[^Exii  all  but  Boc] 
Hoc.  {Aside.)     Ah,  you   will  never   understand  me.    I    do    not   care. 
You  will  serve  my  purpose,  to-day.     Here  comes  Pietro.     (Enter 

PlETRO.) 

Pietro.     My  dear  Boccaccio,  we  are  all  prepared  for  your  comedy. 

Boc.     It  is  all  ready.     This  contains  full  directions. 

Pietro.  (T^^Boc.)     Is  your  play  funny? 

Boc.     I  think  you  will  find  it  so  ! 

Pietro.     Ah,  there  comes  a  charming  lady ! 

Boc.    Fiametta  ? 

Pietro.     No;  Isabella,  {Enter  ls>A.,  Viiltko  kisses  her  hand.\ 
{Enter  Bea.  &  Peron.] 

Bea.     Why,  the  Prince  kissss  Isabella's  hand! 

Peron.     Court  custom ! 

Pietro.  {To  Ladies.)  You  are  all  quite  welcome  to  tne  entertain- 
ment. I  take  pleasure  in  surrounding  myself  with  the  most 
lovely  ladies. 

Peron.     Oh,  we  are  charmed  '  {Enter  Leon.  &  Students. 

TOFANO.     Ah,  Boccaccio ! 

Students.  {To  Boc.)  So  you  are  here,  Boccaccio?  {To  Piftro.) 
Your  Highness  ! 


63 

PiETRO.     Welcome  all ! 

Leon.  ( To  Boc.)  I  have  great  news  for  you. 

Boc.     For  me  ? 

Leon.  You  have  been  appointed  a  Professor  of  the  University  ol 
Florence  for  your  interpretation  of  the  "Divine  Comedy  "ol 
Dante.     We  came  to  brins:  you  the  news. 

Boc.     What  honor  !     (Ente/  c»<.»  »/t<,  f/rincipals.) 

I'lETRO.  You  deserve  it !  Boccaccio,  I  congratulate  you  !  You  sing 
the  praise  of  love  in  your  poems  most  nobly.  {Enter  Chohus.) 
{To  guests.)     Welcome  all ! 

Boc.  Ladies  and  gentlemen,  J  trust  you  will  enjoy  the  little  comedy 
I  have  prepared.     There  is,  I  hope,  a  moral  to  the  play. 

PiErRO.     May  I  see  the  text  ere  you  begin  ? 

Boc.     At  your  command  noble  Prince  ! 

PiETRO.  {Aside.)  What  is  this  ?  {Reads.)  "  Narcissino,  or  the  Flir- 
tations of  a  Stranger  with  Columbine.,  a  lovely  Florentine." 
What  does  this  mean,  Boccaccio  ? 

Boc.  {To  PiETRO.)  Your  highness,  I  thought  that  if  I  could  but  let 
you  look  within  my  mirror  and  see  your  follies  reflected  there, 
you  would  relinquish  the  hand  of  Fiametta,  whom  you  admit  you 
do  not  love,  to  me.  I  have  long  loved  her,  and  she  loves  me. 
{Aloud.)     Shall  the  play  go  on  ? 

Ptetro.  No.  You  have  dared  to  show  that  even  a  prince  is  but 
human,  and  has  his  faults  ;  but  which  he  is  fully  determined  here- 
after to  amend.  Take  Fiametta,  and  be  happy  !  I  deserve  youi 
rebuke ! 

Boc.     But  the  Duke  ? 

FlAM.     I  will  obtain  his  consent ! 

PiETRO.     And  I  will  obey  my  father  only  when  he  is  in  the  right ! 

Boc      This  shall  be  my  last  practical  joke ! 

Finale. 

Boc.        Wit,  truth  and  humor,  these  weapons  long  have  I  wielded  ; 
No  friends  nor  rivals  from  my  lances  have  I  shielded  ! 

FlAM. 

Bea. 

ISA. 

Peron. 
Boc. 
Lotter 
Lamb. 

SCALZA, 
PiETRO. 

Chorus.  Wit  and  humor  has  he  wielded; 

And  no  friends  has  shielded. 


Wit,  truth,  and  humor,   these   weapons    long  Vu^g  Ug 

wielded ; 
And  no  friends  j  \^^^y^^  \  shielded. 
What  victory  ! 


64 


Boc. 


LOTTER. 

Lamb. 

SCALZA. 
PlETRO. 


Chorus. 


Maggior. 


Aix. 


Such  is  genuius  !     Such  is  wit ! 
The  men  were  badly  hit — 

Hit  by  his  wit ! 
Yet  the  man  who  can  laugh  doth  wisdom  show, 
So  let's  laugh  with  Boccaccio ! 

Such  is  genius  !     Such  is  wit ! 
The  men  were  badly  hit ! 

With  truth  I  hit ! 
Yet  the  man  who  can  laugh  doth  wisdom  show  r 
So  pray  laugh  with    Boccaccio  ! 

Such  is  genius  !     Such  is  wit  I 
All  the  men  by  truth  were  badly  hit ! 
We  did  not  like  the  truth,  you  know, 
As  told  by  Boccaccio  ! 
Although  it  placed  us  ill  at  ease, 
His  truth  did  all  the  women  please. 
So  let  us  laugh — ha,  ha  !     Ho,  ho  1 
With  Boccaccio ! 

Yes  !     Such  is  genius ! 

By  his  wit  we  were  hit ! 

By  wit  we  were  hit  ! 

By  his  shafts  of  wit ! 

Yet,  the  man  who  laughs  doth  wisdom  show, 

So  pray  laugh  with  Boccaccio  ! 

Yes,  such  the  author's  wit ! 
They  were  hit  by  it ! 
They  were  hit  by  his  wit ! 
Yet  the  man  who  laughs,  &c. 

Truth  and  wit  now  we  know, 
Taught  by  Boccaccio ! 


OntTAIH. 


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